ICE Detains Immigrants at Georgia Jail Amid Allegations of Medical Misconduct and Abuse

ICE to Detain Immigrants at Georgia Jail Accused of Medical Misconduct In a move sparking concern among advocates for immigrant rights, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed plans to detain immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia, despite allegations of non-consensual gynecological procedures against female detainees. According to multiple sources, ICE officials have begun temporarily detaining individuals at the facility, which drew national attention in 2020 after a nurse-turned-whistleblower and several detained women accused medical staff of misconduct. The Biden administration subsequently halted detentions of immigrant women at the center in 2021. "We are aware that ICE has started to detain people at Irwin County," said an attorney familiar with ICE's operations in Georgia, who wished to remain anonymous due to ongoing communication with agency officials. "This is a disturbing development, especially given the facility's history of medical misconduct." The Irwin County Detention Center was the subject of a Senate Subcommittee on Investigations report released in 2022, which found that female detainees appeared to have been subjected to excessive and invasive gynecological procedures without their consent. Background investigations revealed that the center had a history of inadequate medical care, with allegations of unnecessary surgeries, forced hysterectomies, and other forms of medical misconduct. The Senate report concluded that these actions were likely motivated by a desire to maintain control over female detainees rather than provide necessary medical treatment. The decision to restart detentions at Irwin County has sparked outrage among advocates for immigrant rights, who argue that ICE is prioritizing detention over the safety and well-being of individuals in its custody. "This move is a clear indication that ICE is more concerned with maintaining its detention quotas than ensuring the humane treatment of immigrants," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We will continue to monitor this situation closely and advocate on behalf of those affected." The current status of detentions at Irwin County remains unclear, as ICE officials have declined to provide specific information regarding the number or identity of detainees. However, advocates warn that restarting detentions at this facility could have serious implications for immigrant communities across the country. As the debate surrounding immigration policy continues, one thing is clear: the decision to restart detentions at Irwin County highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability within ICE's operations. Additional Perspectives The decision to detain immigrants at Irwin County has also raised concerns among medical professionals who have spoken out against the facility's history of medical misconduct. "It's unconscionable that ICE would choose to restart detentions at a facility with such a well-documented history of abuse," said Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and former health commissioner for the city of Baltimore. "We need to prioritize the safety and dignity of immigrants in our custody, not perpetuate harm and trauma." Next Developments As the situation continues to unfold, advocates for immigrant rights will be closely monitoring ICE's operations at Irwin County. The ACLU has announced plans to file a lawsuit on behalf of individuals detained at the facility, citing allegations of medical misconduct and inadequate care. The decision to restart detentions at Irwin County serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing immigrant communities in the United States. As the debate surrounding immigration policy continues, one thing is clear: the need for greater accountability and oversight within ICE's operations has never been more pressing. *Reporting by Theintercept.*