1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent who is deeply disturbed by reports about the conditions inside the ICE holding area at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minnesota. According to detainee testimony and reporting, a Muslim woman was reportedly held in a locked bathroom with three unrelated men for roughly twenty-four hours. She was shackled at the ankles. There was no bedding, no pillow, and the sink reportedly did not work. The men were forced to use the toilet in the same small space while she tried to turn away and cover her face. Detainees have also described being given only a sandwich for meals and being held in spaces never meant for human confinement. Regardless of anyone’s views on immigration policy, no human being in government custody should be treated this way. You often speak publicly about your Christian faith. Because of that, I want to remind you of what the Bible says about how we treat strangers and prisoners. Leviticus 19:34 says: “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.” Hebrews 13:3 says: “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” When our government detains people, it assumes responsibility for their safety and dignity. These reports demand investigation and accountability. As your constituent, I ask that you look into these conditions and publicly support humane treatment for anyone held in government custody.