Lawsuit Claims ‘Inhumane’ Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility
A recent federal lawsuit has highlighted severe allegations regarding conditions at the ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois. The suit claims that detainees are subjected to “horrific and inhumane” treatment, leading to significant violations of their human rights.
Inhumane Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility
According to the 76-page class action lawsuit filed on Thursday, detained individuals face a lack of basic necessities. These include:
- Access to water and food
- Medical care
- Hygiene products
Reports describe the facility as extremely cramped, with unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions. Detainees are said to be facing restrictions on sleep, privacy, and hygiene, including the unavailability of menstrual products and the ability to shower.
Violations of Constitutional Rights
The lawsuit also details how detainees are prevented from making confidential legal calls. This obstruction raises serious concerns about their constitutional rights. Alexa Van Brunt, an attorney with the MacArthur Justice Center, characterized these abuses as a “vicious abuse of power” by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE.
Joining the MacArthur Justice Center in this action are the ACLU of Illinois and the Chicago office of Eimer Stahl. The lawsuit criticizes the federal government’s ongoing efforts to restrict access to the facility. Elected officials, legal representatives, and the media have been denied entry, contributing to a “black-box” environment. Notably, local Democratic Congress members, including Danny Davis and Chuy García, were recently denied access when attempting to investigate conditions at the facility.
Alarming Statistics and Reports
Originally intended as a short-term processing center, Broadview has transformed into a de facto detention facility. A report indicated that during the first seven months of this year, 143 individuals were held for over two days. In comparison, 2023 had an average holding time of just five hours.
Detained individuals have reported sleeping on cold floors and receiving inadequate meals. Some have endured prolonged stays, leading to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. Allegations also include physical and verbal abuse by ICE officers. One detainee recounted witnessing an elderly disabled man being denied assistance in using the restroom, exacerbating the inhumane treatment.
Demands for Change and Ongoing Protests
In the wake of these disturbing allegations, the lawsuit demands immediate federal action to rectify the inhumane conditions at the Broadview facility. It also calls for detainees to be allowed better access to legal representation.
The facility has been a focal point for protests, with around 70 individuals arrested in recent weeks for demonstrating against conditions at the center. Charges range from resisting arrest to battery against a police officer.
Public outcry continues as advocates assert their First Amendment rights while seeking accountability for the treatment of detainees. For further information, please refer to El-Balad.
