ICE Detains Immigrants at Georgia Jail with Troubling Medical History

ICE to Detain Immigrants at Georgia Jail with History of Medical Misconduct In a move that has sparked concerns among advocates and lawmakers, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to detain immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia, despite allegations of non-consensual gynecological procedures against women detained there. According to multiple sources, ICE officials confirmed on Friday that they would be using the facility, which has a history of medical misconduct. Attorneys and advocates familiar with ICE's operations in the state reported that detentions had already begun at the facility. The Irwin County Detention Center drew national attention in 2020 when several women detained there and a nurse-turned-whistleblower accused the facility of medical misconduct, including excessive and invasive gynecological procedures. After months of backlash, the Biden administration stopped detaining immigrant women there in 2021. A Senate Subcommittee on Investigations report released in 2022 found that female detainees appeared to have been subjected to "excessive, invasive" procedures without their consent. The report was based on an 18-month investigation into the facility's medical practices. "We are extremely concerned about ICE's decision to detain immigrants at a facility with such a history of medical misconduct," said Rachel Gilmer, advocacy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center. "The Irwin County Detention Center has shown time and again that it cannot be trusted to provide adequate medical care to its detainees." ICE officials have not commented on whether detentions at the facility had already begun or what measures they would take to ensure the safety and well-being of detainees. Background research reveals that the Irwin County Detention Center is a privately-owned facility operated by LaSalle Corrections. The facility has faced numerous allegations of medical misconduct, including inadequate staffing, poor sanitation, and substandard medical care. In response to the Senate report, ICE officials claimed they were taking steps to address concerns about medical care at the facility, but advocates say more needs to be done to ensure detainees receive adequate medical attention. "This decision by ICE is a slap in the face to the women who have suffered at this facility," said Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), who has been a vocal critic of the Irwin County Detention Center. "We need to hold ICE accountable for its actions and ensure that our detention facilities are safe and humane." The latest development comes as lawmakers continue to push for reforms in the nation's immigration system, including improved medical care for detainees. Current Status: ICE officials have confirmed plans to detain immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center. Attorneys and advocates report that detentions had already begun at the facility on Friday. The Senate Subcommittee on Investigations released a report in 2022 finding evidence of "excessive, invasive" gynecological procedures against female detainees. Next Developments: Advocates plan to continue pushing for reforms in the nation's immigration system, including improved medical care for detainees. Lawmakers will likely hold hearings and investigations into ICE's decision to detain immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center. *Reporting by Theintercept.*