ICE Detains Immigrants at Georgia Jail Amid Allegations of Unsanctioned Gynecological Procedures

ICE to Detain Immigrants at Georgia Jail Accused of Medical Misconduct The Trump administration's decision to detain immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Ga., has sparked outrage among advocates who claim the facility is notorious for allegations of non-consensual gynecological procedures. According to multiple sources, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials confirmed that the agency will be using the detention center, despite a 2021 report by the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations finding that female detainees were subjected to "excessive, invasive" medical procedures. The report, which was released in 2022 after an 18-month investigation, detailed allegations of medical misconduct at the facility. "We are extremely concerned about ICE's decision to detain immigrants at this facility," said Jennifer Quinlan, a lawyer who has represented clients held at Irwin County Detention Center. "The history of medical misconduct and abuse at this facility is well-documented, and it's unacceptable that ICE would choose to ignore these concerns." In 2020, a nurse-turned-whistleblower came forward with allegations of non-consensual gynecological procedures performed on female detainees at the facility. The whistleblower's claims sparked widespread outrage and led to an investigation by the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations. The Irwin County Detention Center has been plagued by controversy in recent years. In 2020, a report by the watchdog group Project South found that the facility had a history of medical misconduct, including allegations of unnecessary surgeries and invasive procedures performed on detainees without their consent. ICE officials have defended their decision to use the detention center, citing its capacity to hold large numbers of immigrants. However, advocates argue that the agency's decision is a betrayal of the Biden administration's promise to prioritize transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement. "The Trump administration's decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County Detention Center is a stark reminder of the need for greater oversight and accountability in our immigration system," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), who has been a vocal critic of ICE's detention policies. "We must ensure that immigrants are treated with dignity and respect, not subjected to abuse and neglect." The decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County Detention Center has sparked widespread outrage among advocates and lawmakers, who argue that the facility is not equipped to provide adequate medical care to detainees. Background: The Irwin County Detention Center has been the subject of numerous investigations and reports detailing allegations of medical misconduct and abuse. In 2020, a nurse-turned-whistleblower came forward with allegations of non-consensual gynecological procedures performed on female detainees at the facility. The whistleblower's claims sparked widespread outrage and led to an investigation by the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations. Additional Perspectives: Advocates argue that ICE's decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County Detention Center is a betrayal of the Biden administration's promise to prioritize transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement. "The Trump administration's decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County Detention Center is a stark reminder of the need for greater oversight and accountability in our immigration system," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). Current Status: ICE officials have confirmed that the agency will be using the Irwin County Detention Center, but it is unclear when detentions at the facility began. Next Developments: Advocates are calling on lawmakers to take action to address the concerns surrounding medical misconduct and abuse at Irwin County Detention Center. The Senate Subcommittee on Investigations has promised to continue its investigation into allegations of medical misconduct at the facility. In related news, a bill introduced in Congress this week aims to increase oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement, including measures to prevent medical misconduct and abuse at detention centers like Irwin County Detention Center. *Reporting by Theintercept.*