Demand Accountability for Detention Center Deaths

I am writing to express my strong support for the investigation into the alarming number of deaths occurring in immigration detention centers. The recent report of 15 deaths since President Trump took office, with 10 occurring in just the first six months of 2025, is deeply troubling and demands immediate attention. As your constituent, I urge you to press Secretary Kristi Noem for comprehensive answers regarding the conditions in these facilities and the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths. The reported rate of fatalities is the highest in the first six months of any year on public record, which raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of detainees. The expansion of detention space and increased arrest rates following additional funding from Congress must not come at the cost of human lives. Reports of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate access to food and healthcare are unacceptable in our nation's detention facilities. It is crucial that we ensure humane treatment and proper care for all individuals in custody, regardless of their immigration status. Furthermore, I am deeply concerned about ICE's failure to meet its own standards for reporting detainee deaths in a timely manner. This lack of transparency not only hinders Congressional oversight but also leaves families of the deceased in a state of uncertainty and distress. We must demand better accountability and adherence to established protocols. The recent cuts to oversight divisions focused on civil rights within the Department of Homeland Security are particularly worrying. These divisions play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and dignity of detainees, and their diminishment could further exacerbate the already dire situation. I implore you to take immediate action by supporting a thorough investigation into these deaths and pushing for improved conditions in detention centers. We need concrete steps to prevent further loss of life and ensure that our immigration policies uphold the values of human dignity and respect for human rights. Your leadership on this issue is critical. Please keep me informed of the actions you take to address this urgent matter and ensure that our immigration system operates with transparency, accountability, and respect for human life.