1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand the immediate closure of the unlawful and inhumane Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility operating in the basement of a downtown San Diego courthouse. This clandestine center represents a grave violation of human rights and due process, and its continued operation is an affront to our nation's values and legal standards. The conditions in this makeshift facility are deplorable. Detainees, including asylum seekers and long-term U.S. residents with pending immigration cases, are being held for up to four days in overcrowded, cold cells. They lack adequate food, bedding, and medical care. The absence of privacy for basic needs and proper sanitation facilities is unconscionable in a country that claims to uphold human dignity. The secrecy surrounding these detentions is equally alarming. Families and lawyers have been left uninformed about the whereabouts of their loved ones and clients. The fact that members of Congress have been denied access to inspect the facility raises serious questions about ICE's transparency and accountability. Reports of rapid deportations without due process or the opportunity to see a judge are deeply troubling. This practice not only violates individual rights but also undermines the foundations of our legal system. It is particularly concerning that individuals with no criminal background are being detained during routine check-ins, a practice that instills fear and distrust in immigrant communities. I urge you to take immediate action: 1. Order the immediate shutdown of this unlawful detention center in the San Diego courthouse basement. 2. Release all individuals currently held in this facility, ensuring their safety and well-being. 3. Launch a full, transparent investigation into ICE's detention practices, particularly the targeting of individuals during routine check-ins. 4. Implement measures to ensure congressional oversight and public scrutiny of ICE facilities and operations. The treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers in this manner is not only inhumane but also contrary to the values we hold as a nation. As an elected official, it is your duty to uphold the law and protect the rights of all individuals within our borders, regardless of their immigration status. Act now to shut down this unlawful detention center and release these victims of ICE's overreach. The integrity of our community and the lives of vulnerable individuals hang in the balance. Do not allow this injustice to continue on your watch.