ICE Detains Immigrants at Georgia Jail Amid Gynecological Procedure Misconduct Investigation

ICE to Detain Immigrants at Georgia Jail Embroiled in Medical Misconduct Scandal In a move that has sparked widespread concern among advocates for immigrant rights, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced plans to detain immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia. The facility gained notoriety in 2020 when allegations of non-consensual gynecological procedures against detained women surfaced. According to multiple sources, ICE began temporarily detaining people at the facility on Friday, citing communication with agency officials in Georgia. An ICE spokesperson confirmed the plan but declined to comment on whether detentions had already begun. The Irwin County Detention Center was at the center of a medical misconduct scandal that drew national attention in 2020. A nurse-turned-whistleblower and several detained women accused the facility of subjecting them to excessive, invasive gynecological procedures without their consent. The allegations led to widespread outrage and calls for reform. In response to the controversy, the Biden administration halted detentions of immigrant women at the facility in 2021. An 18-month investigation by the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations found that female detainees appeared to have been subjected to "excessive, invasive" medical procedures. "This is a disturbing development," said Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health advocate. "The Irwin County Detention Center has a well-documented history of medical misconduct, and it's unacceptable that ICE would choose to detain immigrants there." Advocates for immigrant rights have long criticized the use of private detention centers like the Irwin County facility, citing concerns about inadequate medical care and mistreatment of detainees. "The decision to detain immigrants at this facility is a slap in the face to the women who were subjected to these egregious abuses," said Erika Andiola, co-executive director of the advocacy group Raices. "We will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of immigrant communities." The latest development raises questions about ICE's commitment to reforming its detention practices and prioritizing the health and well-being of detainees. As the situation unfolds, advocates and lawmakers are urging ICE to reconsider its decision and prioritize the safety and dignity of immigrants in its custody. The implications of this move will be closely watched by human rights organizations, lawmakers, and the public at large. Background: The Irwin County Detention Center is a private facility operated by LaSalle Corrections. In 2020, allegations surfaced that women detained there were subjected to non-consensual gynecological procedures, including forced hysterectomies. The controversy led to widespread outrage and calls for reform. Investigation: In 2022, the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations released a report finding that female detainees appeared to have been subjected to "excessive, invasive" medical procedures at the facility. Current Status: ICE has confirmed plans to detain immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center but declined to comment on whether detentions had already begun. Advocates and lawmakers are urging ICE to reconsider its decision and prioritize the safety and dignity of immigrants in its custody. Next Developments: The situation will be closely watched by human rights organizations, lawmakers, and the public at large. Advocates are planning to continue their fight for immigrant rights and push for reform within ICE. *Reporting by Theintercept.*