Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey have raised concerns about the conditions at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Massachusetts, the only facility in the state that detains individuals for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The senators have called for the consideration of whether to renew the contract with ICE, citing ongoing issues including poor medical care, limited access to language interpretation services, and alleged abuse and retaliation by officers.
Despite efforts by the senators and an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security in 2022, advocates have reported continued problems at the facility, prompting a complaint and request for an investigation in March 2023. The complaints include allegations of abuses such as the use of solitary confinement, inadequate medical care, restricted communication with legal counsel and family members, and discrimination against religious and LGBTQ individuals.
Warren and Markey have urged DHS to address these issues before considering renewing the contract with the facility, emphasizing the need for stronger oversight to ensure compliance with detention standards and civil rights. The senators have also called for concrete steps to address the problems identified in the 2022 investigation and to hold correctional staff accountable for any violations. The Attorney General’s Office is reportedly reviewing the conditions at Plymouth County following the complaints.ICE and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department have yet to comment on the senators’ concerns.
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