1. United States
2. S.C.
3. Letter

The inhumane conditions being reported at the hastily built immigration detention facility in Florida’s Everglades are appalling and unacceptable. Detainees have described lack of running water, scarce and insect infested food, unsanitary conditions with toilets not flushing, extreme temperatures due to lack of proper temperature controls, and an overall environment treating human beings like“rats in it in an experiment“ instead of with basic dignity. Immigration attorneys have been barred from meeting confidentially with clients at the facility. Experts have warned that the facility may not withstand severe storms common to the area. This is on top of the broader issues plaguing ICE detention centers nationwide due to severe overcrowding-detainee denied food, water and medical care, held in cramped, processing rooms for days and subjected to improper mental health treatment. The American people demand Congress take immediate action to thoroughly investigate the appalling conditions at this Florida facility and others like it across the country. Comprehensive public hearings must be held putting the horrific realities of this administration detention regime on full display. It is unconscionable that as the administration ramps up deportations, (Including of non-criminal immigrants)they have eliminated federal watchdog offices meant to oversee these very conditions. Additionally, Congress must act to halt any further expansion of these inhumane jails. This cruelty carried out on US soil is a moral strain on our nation. Robust oversight and concrete steps to remedy these human rights violations are imperative.