ICE Detains Immigrants at Georgia Jail Embroiled in Gynecological Misconduct Allegations

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, Georgia, 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) confirmed that the agency will be using the detention center, despite its troubled past. Attorneys and advocates familiar with ICE's operations in the state reported that detentions at the facility began on Friday, citing communication with ICE officials in Georgia. "We are deeply concerned about the decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County Detention Center," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "This facility has a history of medical misconduct and mistreatment of detainees. We urge ICE to reconsider its decision and prioritize the safety and well-being of those in their custody." In 2020, a whistleblower nurse came forward with allegations that female detainees were subjected to excessive and invasive gynecological procedures without their consent. The Biden administration subsequently stopped detaining immigrant women at the facility in 2021. A Senate Subcommittee on Investigations report released in 2022 found that female detainees appeared to have been subjected to "excessive, invasive" medical procedures. The report highlighted concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight at the facility. The decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County Detention Center has sparked renewed calls for reform and increased scrutiny of ICE's detention policies. Critics argue that the agency is prioritizing enforcement over the safety and well-being of those in its custody. ICE officials have not commented on the specific allegations or concerns raised by advocates, but a spokesperson confirmed that the agency will continue to use the facility as part of its efforts to enforce immigration laws. The decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County Detention Center has significant implications for society. It raises questions about the accountability and oversight of detention facilities and the treatment of those in ICE custody. As the debate over immigration policy continues, advocates are urging policymakers to prioritize the safety and well-being of detainees and to hold detention facilities accountable for any wrongdoing. Background: The Irwin County Detention Center has been at the center of controversy since 2020 when allegations of medical misconduct surfaced. The facility is operated by LaSalle Corrections, a private prison company. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Leana Wen, a public health expert and former president of Planned Parenthood, expressed concern about the decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County Detention Center. "The use of detention centers for immigration enforcement raises serious concerns about the treatment of detainees and the potential for medical misconduct," she said. ICE officials have not commented on specific allegations or concerns raised by advocates, but a spokesperson confirmed that the agency will continue to use the facility as part of its efforts to enforce immigration laws. Current Status: Detentions at Irwin County Detention Center are ongoing, with multiple sources confirming that ICE has begun temporarily detaining people at the facility. Advocates are urging policymakers to prioritize the safety and well-being of detainees and to hold detention facilities accountable for any wrongdoing. The decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County Detention Center highlights the need for increased oversight and accountability in detention facilities. As the debate over immigration policy continues, advocates will continue to push for reforms that prioritize the safety and well-being of those in ICE custody. *Reporting by Theintercept.*