A report released by the US Senate revealed that hundreds of detainees in migrant detention centers have suffered horrific abuses, particularly women and pregnant women. The report documented 510 cases of human rights violations in detention centers across the country since President Donald Trump took office. Among these, 14 cases involved the abuse of expectant mothers.
One of the horrific cases documented in the report concerned a woman who was left alone in a hospital room, bleeding heavily for 24 hours without receiving any medical assistance. This led her husband to contact the office of Senator John Ossoff to secure medical care for her.
A Department of Homeland Security official testified that he saw pregnant women sleeping on the floor of detention cells. Representative Ayanna Pressley reported that a pregnant woman told her she had suffered two miscarriages while in detention. Emergency call logs from detention centers also recorded numerous calls related to serious pregnancy complications.
According to the office of Georgia Democratic Senator John Ossoff, who conducted the investigation, medical care for women and pregnant women in detention centers is inadequate. The investigation revealed delayed treatment for detained immigrant women, as well as malnutrition. The report also indicated that conditions in detention centers pose a significant health risk.
The report also documented cases of abuse against pregnant women and children. The violations included being forced to sleep on the floor in overcrowded rooms, denying pregnant women urgent healthcare, insufficient provision of essential meals, exposure to extreme heat, and denial of access to lawyers.
The report also documented 18 violations of children’s rights, in addition to 41 cases of physical and sexual assault. The report’s team conducted interviews with officers working in migrant detention centers and healthcare workers, as well as meetings with lawyers, dozens of detainees, and members of their families. The team also inspected migrant detention facilities in Georgia and Texas.
Commenting on the report, Ossoff said: “Regardless of our views on immigration policy, the American people do not support the abuse of detainees and prisoners.” He added: “It is more important than ever to shed light on what happens behind bars and barbed wire, especially what happens to children.”
On the other hand, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs, denied the findings of the report, which was titled “Abuse of Pregnant Women and Children in US Immigration Detention.” McLaughlin stated: “Any claim of substandard conditions in ICE detention facilities is false.” She stressed that all detainees receive medical care, including dental care and mental health screenings.
