Illinois Delegation Members Demand Answers from DHS and ICE on Conditions at the Broadview Processing Center
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the Trump administration continues to flout federal law, Democratic members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and Danny Davis (IL-04) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons demanding answers on the conditions, capacity, and basic services for immigrants held at the Broadview ICE Processing Center in Illinois.
On June 18, after receiving reports of abuses and misuse of a processing center to detain people in inhumane conditions, the Members tried to conduct an oversight visit but were unlawfully denied access, even after documenting their identity. Members of Congress have the right to conduct oversight and enter any facility operated by or for DHS used to detain or house immigrants without previous notice. Since then, they continue to receive reports about community members detained in the facility in deplorable conditions that violate their human and legal rights as well as state laws that prohibit existence of detention centers
In the letter, the Members state “we sought access to the Broadview facility because of credible reports that the facility was being used to unlawfully detain immigrants, including our constituents. The reports suggested that people are being detained for prolonged periods of time without access to basic necessities and legal counsel. One person detained there detailed how she was one of approximately 30 women who were held in a room with no beds, no blankets and very little food. She and her fellow detainees had to sleep on the floor and had no access to showers or any hygiene products.”
The Members demand that DHS and ICE respond to questions including the facility’s total holding capacity, how many people they actually have in custody, how the center will be utilized in connection to Operation Midway Blitz, what medical care is provided at the facility, and what process exists for people to communicate with their lawyers and family members.
“We take our responsibility to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States seriously, even if you do not. We continue to be deeply concerned about the conditions at the Broadview facility, and we will not be deterred by your refusal to comply with the law.”
A copy of the full letter can be found here.
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