California’s U.S. Senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, visited the California City Detention Facility on Tuesday amid growing concerns regarding the treatment of detainees following recent immigration raids. Their tour reflects increasing scrutiny over conditions within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers, as reports highlight inadequacies in detainee care and treatment.
The senators’ visit coincides with intensified federal immigration operations across the country. According to ICE, these efforts have led to a significant rise in the number of individuals in federal custody, surpassing 70,000. During their tour, Schiff emphasized the emotional impact of the facility, stating, “When you walk inside these walls, you experience a different trauma.”
Padilla expressed similar concerns regarding the facility’s environment. He remarked, “What are the conditions like? They look a lot more like a prison than a dormitory style setting.” The senators noted that detainees are often separated based on ICE’s assessment of their perceived risk.
During their discussions with detainees, Schiff noted that many were apprehended while attending mandatory immigration appointments. “Many of them that we spoke with were picked up at their immigration appointments, so they were doing what they were supposed to do, to become citizens or establish a lawful presence,” he stated.
In a letter sent last month, California Attorney General Rob Bonta outlined troubling conditions at the detention facility to the Department of Homeland Security. Bonta’s office reported that detainees may not receive adequate medical care, lack sufficient clothing or blankets for warmth, and are housed in unsanitary conditions. These concerns have prompted a federal lawsuit filed in November by seven detainees, alleging violations of basic humane treatment standards.
Padilla pointed out the urgency of addressing these issues, stating, “If the administration is true to their word, the population here is only going to grow.” He emphasized the need for improved nutrition, medical attention, and mental health care as the number of detainees continues to rise.
The Justice Department and ICE have not commented on the senators’ visit or the allegations regarding conditions at the California City facility. The ongoing situation highlights the critical need for oversight and reform within the immigration detention system as advocates call for humane treatment of all individuals in federal custody.