Blumenthal Statement on Allegations of Abuse & Medical Neglect at ICE Detention Center

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement in response to a whistleblower complaint filed with the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General alleging “jarring medical neglect” at Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC) in Georgia, where one detainee compared their treatment to prisoners in concentration camps. The complaint also reports an unusually high rate of hysterectomies and that women were reportedly “confused” when asked to explain why they had undergone the life-altering procedure.

“The alleged conduct outlined in this whistleblower complaint is depraved and cruel. A hysterectomy performed without informed consent or good reason is not just an unnecessary medical procedure – it is a violation of fundamental human rights.”

“There must be an immediate and thorough investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General and the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the Director of the Atlanta ICE Field Office, and Warden of the Irwin County Detention Center.”

“If these allegations are true, all contracts with LaSalle Corrections, the private contractor that ran ICDC, should be terminated. In the meantime, ICE should immediately institute enhanced oversight of the operations of ICDC and all other facilities operated by LaSalle.”

“The misconduct described here echoes forced sterilization campaigns of the past conducted by some of history’s worst villains. We as a nation are better than this return to long-rejected violations of human rights.”

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