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Tell Congress: Investigate ICE Detention Human Rights Abuses

A new federal watchdog report found that 79 people detained at “Alligator Alcatraz” were confined in tiny outdoor metal cages—some for nearly two hours.

The Department of Homeland Security inspector general found the cages were about 18 square feet and said their use did not align with standards for humane treatment. Investigators also found failures involving medical care, hygiene, food service, recreation, environmental health and safety, and access to legal resources.

Alligator Alcatraz is now closed. But Congress still needs to answer a bigger question: What is being done to prevent the same abuses at other ICE detention facilities?

Chain-link enclosures with bunk beds inside a detention facility.

People held in immigration detention depend on the government for medical care, food, clean water, sanitation, safety, and access to lawyers. The people inside have little power to expose what is happening or hold anyone accountable when their rights are abused.

That's why it's crucial that we put pressure on Congress to uncover the truth. They must hold public hearings, obtain inspection reports and complaints, and question ICE officials, DHS leadership, and detention contractors about conditions across the system.

The inspector general’s findings should not disappear with one shuttered facility. They should trigger serious scrutiny of how people are being treated in immigration detention nationwide—and whether federal standards meant to protect their health, safety, and rights are actually being enforced.

Thanks for all that you do,
Matt from the Swarm