BROADVIEW, Ill. (AP) — Four Illinois Democrats toured a federal immigration center outside Chicago on Monday, engaging in oversight following a recent court ruling that lifted Trump-era restrictions on lawmakers' access to immigration facilities. This visit marks a significant moment for U.S. Reps. Danny Davis, Delia Ramirez, Jonathan Jackson, and Jesús “Chuy” Garcia. After being denied entry six months prior, they entered the facility under scrutiny concerning the treatment of detainees, particularly in light of previous complaints and legal actions against the facility.
The Broadview center, associated with a wider immigration crackdown leading to over 4,000 arrests in the Chicago area, has faced allegations of inhumane conditions. Upon entering the premises, the lawmakers noted improvements but raised serious concerns about certain conditions, such as inadequate privacy for toilets, insufficient shower access, and the absence of medical staff on-site.
“They must ensure that there are adequate health professionals present,” emphasized Ramirez, echoing concerns following the death of a detainee due to alleged natural causes at another ICE facility.
Despite recent improvements reported by immigration officials, the lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing oversight, stating, “This visit will not end our responsibility. We will follow up.”
The visit aligns with a new trend of lawmakers gaining access to immigration facilities following a federal court ruling that temporarily blocked restrictions set by the previous administration. Similar visits have occurred in other states, leading to a broader examination of conditions faced by immigrants in detention.
This developing story continues to unfold against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding immigrant treatment, with lawmakers pledging to maintain pressure on immigration practices and to advocate for humane treatment across all facilities.
The Broadview center, associated with a wider immigration crackdown leading to over 4,000 arrests in the Chicago area, has faced allegations of inhumane conditions. Upon entering the premises, the lawmakers noted improvements but raised serious concerns about certain conditions, such as inadequate privacy for toilets, insufficient shower access, and the absence of medical staff on-site.
“They must ensure that there are adequate health professionals present,” emphasized Ramirez, echoing concerns following the death of a detainee due to alleged natural causes at another ICE facility.
Despite recent improvements reported by immigration officials, the lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing oversight, stating, “This visit will not end our responsibility. We will follow up.”
The visit aligns with a new trend of lawmakers gaining access to immigration facilities following a federal court ruling that temporarily blocked restrictions set by the previous administration. Similar visits have occurred in other states, leading to a broader examination of conditions faced by immigrants in detention.
This developing story continues to unfold against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding immigrant treatment, with lawmakers pledging to maintain pressure on immigration practices and to advocate for humane treatment across all facilities.
