Immigration

Groups Sue ICE Over 'Deplorable' Health Care In Detention Facilities

​The suit alleges ICE failed to provide adequate medical and mental health care in its facilities nationwide, among other things.

Groups Sue ICE Over 'Deplorable' Health Care In Detention Facilities
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SMS

Several civil rights groups have sued the Trump administration over the medical care provided at migrant detention centers.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center, and Disability Rights Advocates filed the lawsuit in federal court on Monday. They allege ICE failed to provide adequate medical and mental health care in its facilities nationwide. They also say the agency failed to offer appropriate accommodations for detainees who have disabilities and violated the Fifth Amendment in its practices.

The groups are asking for ICE to improve health care for the tens of thousands of detainees, as well as step up its oversight of its centers.

Conditions at detention centers have come under increased scrutiny over the last year. In June, The Associated Press reported that dozens of children were being held in dangerous conditions at a Border Patrol station in Texas. Several Democratic lawmakers also criticized conditions after visiting border facilities.