Congressional Delegation Criticizes ICE Conditions, Agency Responds
Federal immigration officials have rebuked members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation for their accusations regarding conditions at a Louisiana detention facility. U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Jim McGovern expressed concerns for the human rights of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, currently held at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center in Basile, Louisiana.
During a recent visit, the lawmakers described “harrowing” living conditions for Ozturk and other detainees, reporting inadequate medical care, sleep deprivation, and a lack of basic necessities like food and hygiene supplies. Pressley remarked, “They are humiliated daily, degraded, and denied the basic necessities needed by any human being.”
ICE officials vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and an attempt to undermine the agency’s efforts. An ICE spokesperson asserted that all detainees receive comprehensive medical care, including services for pregnant women, and emphasized the agency’s commitment to high standards of treatment. “Claims are misleading and misrepresent reality,” the statement read.
Ozturk, a fifth-year doctoral student, was apprehended last month after her student visa was revoked due to alleged support for Hamas. Despite not facing criminal charges, she remains in Louisiana, leading lawmakers to argue her detainment is strategically unfavorable. In a declaration, Ozturk described her environment as “unsanitary, unsafe, and inhumane,” citing asthma complications from overcrowding.
ICE officials criticized the delegation’s visit, alleging it compromised staff safety and privacy. They reaffirmed their commitment to lawful and humane treatment of all detainees. The debate continues as lawmakers seek to bring attention to the conditions faced by individuals in immigration detention.
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