Watchdog Reports Show Inadequate Medical Care as Problem in U.S. ICE Detention Facilities

A study led by three watchdog groups shows that inadequate medical care is the number one leading cause of in-custody deaths in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities.

The reports of the three watchdog groups were first published by the Associated Press. According to their findings, deaths of those in detention from 2010 to 2012 were examined by the ACLU, National Immigration Justice Center and the Detention Watch Network. Based on their findings, they have been able to file an ICE review board called "Fatal Neglect: How ICE Ignores Deaths in Detention." The PDF report was issued on Thursday.

As shared by The Guardian, the report details the current problem being faced by the detention centers. Apart from detailing the problem, the report documents that it continues to worsen in detention centers; particularly in Arizona. As found on the report, a total of 155 in-custody deaths occurred between the dates of October 2003 and January 25, 2016.

CBS News revealed that the "Fatal Neglect" report takes focus on the 8 deaths wherein the Office of Detention Oversight of the ICE was found noncompliant with medical standards. As a result, it has contributed to the deaths of these individuals.

Despite the ICE's response, the report calls for detaining fewer immigrants who awaited their deportation or hearings. At the same time, the ICE should be more transparent.

A statement was released by ICE spokeswoman, Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe, on ABA Journal, which depicts how the several detention centers mentioned in the report have since increased their standards.

According to O'Keefe: "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement remains committed to providing a safe and humane environment for all those in its custody, including affording access to necessary and appropriate health care. ICE takes the death of any individual that occurs in the agency's custody very seriously. Under ICE's protocols, a detainee death triggers an immediate internal inquiry into the circumstances."

The ICE responded saying that they have already made necessary changes to ensure the safety of between 300,000 to 500,000 individuals they process every year. Last year alone, the agency spent over $195 million for the medical, mental and dental health needs of its detainees. 

Tags

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Fatal Neglect, ACLU, National Immigration Justice Center, Detention Watch Network

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