Amor Network demands Rhode Island Senate end ICE contracts at Wyatt Detention Facility

The Senate Committee on Judiciary in Rhode Island convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the Wyatt Detention Facility and the proposed Senate Bill 0295, which aims to end contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigrant detention. The meeting featured testimonies from various community members and advocates highlighting the alleged mistreatment and neglect faced by detainees at the facility.

Key discussions centered on the economic impact of the Wyatt Detention Facility on the local community. Testimonies revealed that the facility has not contributed financially to the city since 2008, aside from minimal donations. Critics argued that the continued operation of the facility is driven by profit motives, as it is accountable to bondholders rather than the community it serves.

Witnesses shared harrowing accounts of conditions within the facility, including reports of medical neglect, inadequate access to necessary healthcare, and unsanitary living conditions. Detainees described experiences of racism, arbitrary punishment, and limited communication with the outside world, which exacerbates their isolation and suffering. Specific instances of individuals being denied medical care and facing retaliation for speaking out were highlighted, raising concerns about human rights violations.

Supporters of Senate Bill 0295 emphasized the need for systemic change, arguing that the current immigration detention system perpetuates suffering and undermines community values. They called for an end to the use of public resources for immigrant detention and urged lawmakers to prioritize the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

The testimonies underscored a growing consensus among community members and advocates that the Wyatt Detention Facility's practices are not only harmful to detainees but also detrimental to the broader community. The committee's deliberations on this bill will be crucial in determining the future of immigrant detention in Rhode Island and the treatment of those affected by it.