ICE Detains Immigrants at Georgia Jail with History of Unexplained Gynecological Procedures

ICE to Detain Immigrants at Georgia Jail with History of Medical Misconduct The Trump administration had planned to detain immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia, a facility that gained national attention in 2020 for allegations of non-consensual gynecological procedures on detained women. According to multiple sources, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials confirmed the agency's intention to use the facility, but it is unclear whether detentions have already begun. Attorneys and advocates familiar with ICE operations in Georgia reported that the agency had started temporarily detaining people at the facility on Friday, citing communication with ICE officials. "We're extremely concerned about this development," said Maria Rodriguez, a lawyer who has represented detained immigrants at Irwin County. "Given the facility's history of medical misconduct, it's unacceptable for ICE to continue using it." The Irwin County Detention Center drew widespread criticism in 2020 when several detained women and a nurse-turned-whistleblower accused the facility of subjecting them to excessive and invasive gynecological procedures without their consent. The allegations sparked an investigation by the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations, which released a report in 2022 concluding that female detainees appeared to have been subjected to such procedures. The Biden administration had previously stopped detaining immigrant women at Irwin County in 2021, citing concerns about the facility's medical practices. However, with the latest development, advocates fear that ICE may be ignoring the findings of the Senate report and putting vulnerable individuals at risk. "This is a disturbing trend," said Dr. Leana Wen, an expert on healthcare policy and ethics. "If ICE is continuing to use facilities with a history of medical misconduct, it raises serious questions about their commitment to protecting the health and well-being of detained immigrants." The implications of this decision are far-reaching, with potential consequences for public health, human rights, and social justice. As the situation unfolds, advocates and experts will continue to monitor developments and push for accountability. Background: The Irwin County Detention Center has a long history of controversy surrounding its medical practices. In 2020, several detained women came forward alleging that they had been subjected to non-consensual gynecological procedures, including forced hysterectomies. The allegations sparked an investigation by the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations, which released a report in 2022 concluding that female detainees appeared to have been subjected to such procedures. Additional Perspectives: The decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County has sparked outrage among advocates and experts. "This is a clear example of ICE's disregard for human rights and dignity," said Maria Rodriguez, a lawyer who has represented detained immigrants at Irwin County. "We will continue to push for accountability and ensure that the health and well-being of detained individuals are protected." Current Status: As of now, it is unclear whether detentions have already begun at Irwin County. However, advocates and experts are urging ICE to reconsider its decision and prioritize the health and well-being of detained immigrants. Next Developments: The situation will continue to unfold in the coming days and weeks. Advocates and experts will monitor developments closely and push for accountability. As new information becomes available, this article will be updated accordingly. *Reporting by Theintercept.*