Pregnant detainees face neglect, loss in ICE custody

Immigrants in ICE custody, particularly pregnant and postpartum women, are allegedly experiencing substandard conditions, including inadequate nutrition and medical neglect. Alicia, detained for three months at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, reported being given small portions of "substandard" food and undergoing a medical procedure without consent, which led to a miscarriage. Her case, and others like it, raise serious concerns about the care provided in ICE facilities, with advocacy groups demanding a review and release of all pregnant detainees.

The situation is compounded by the discontinuation of a congressional requirement that mandated detailed justification reports for the detention of pregnant, postpartum, or nursing women. This lapse in oversight means less transparency regarding who is being held and why. Despite ICE directives generally prohibiting the detention of pregnant women, reports indicate numerous instances where they have been held, facing issues like food insecurity, freezing temperatures, and unsanitary conditions, leading to infections and severe health complications.

Family separation adds to the distress, with recent changes in ICE directives potentially making it harder for detained parents to arrange care for their children. Advocacy groups are working to track these cases, aiming to bring attention to the systemic issues and push for stronger oversight and humane treatment for pregnant individuals within immigration detention centers.