ICE Detains Immigrants at Georgia Jail with History of Alleged Medical Abuse

ICE to Detain Immigrants at Georgia Jail Accused 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, including attorneys and advocates familiar with ICE's operations in the state, detentions began temporarily at the facility on Friday. ICE spokesperson, Sarah Rodriguez, confirmed to The Intercept that the agency would be using the Irwin County Detention Center but could not confirm whether detentions had already started. Attorneys and advocates who have communicated with ICE officials in Georgia said they were aware of the plan to use the facility for temporary detentions. The Irwin County Detention Center was at the center of a scandal in 2020 when several detained women, including a nurse-turned-whistleblower, accused the facility of medical misconduct. The allegations included excessive and invasive gynecological procedures performed on female detainees without their consent. After months of public outcry, the Biden administration 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 was the result of an 18-month investigation into allegations of medical misconduct at the Irwin County Detention Center. The decision to use the Irwin County Detention Center for ICE detentions has raised concerns among advocates and attorneys who worked on the Senate Subcommittee's investigation. "This is a step backward," said Rachel Gilmer, a senior policy manager with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We had hoped that the Biden administration would learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure that immigrant women are not subjected to inhumane treatment." The use of the Irwin County Detention Center by ICE has also sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of detained immigrants. "Detaining people at a facility with a history of medical misconduct is unacceptable," said Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health expert. "We need to prioritize the health and safety of all individuals in detention, regardless of their immigration status." As of now, it remains unclear how long ICE plans to use the Irwin County Detention Center for detentions or what measures will be taken to ensure that detained immigrants receive adequate medical care. The decision has sparked a renewed debate about the treatment of immigrant detainees and the need for greater oversight and accountability in the detention system. Background: The Irwin County Detention Center is a privately owned facility operated by LaSalle Corrections. In 2020, several detained women, including a nurse-turned-whistleblower, accused the facility of performing non-consensual gynecological procedures on female detainees. The allegations led to widespread public outcry and calls for greater oversight and accountability in the detention system. Additional Perspectives: The decision to use the Irwin County Detention Center by ICE has also raised concerns among lawmakers and advocates who worked on the Senate Subcommittee's investigation. "We will continue to push for greater transparency and accountability in the detention system," said Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Current Status: As of now, it remains unclear how long ICE plans to use the Irwin County Detention Center for detentions or what measures will be taken to ensure that detained immigrants receive adequate medical care. The decision has sparked a renewed debate about the treatment of immigrant detainees and the need for greater oversight and accountability in the detention system. Next Developments: The decision by ICE to use the Irwin County Detention Center is likely to face further scrutiny from lawmakers, advocates, and the public. As the debate continues, it remains unclear what steps will be taken to address concerns about medical misconduct and ensure that detained immigrants receive adequate care. *Reporting by Theintercept.*