Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Deaths In Custody topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ranking member accuses ICE and GEO Group of systemic failures, cites multiple deaths in custody
Summary
Ranking Member Crockett said more than 40 people have died in ICE custody, criticized conditions at GEO-operated facilities and accused the majority of failing to call federal agency witnesses; she urged independent oversight and accountability.
Ranking Member Crockett opened for Democrats with a sharply critical account, saying "more than 40 people have died while in ICE custody," and that 30% of those deaths occurred at facilities run by the GEO Group. She told the subcommittee that at multiple GEO-run facilities detainees have reported mold, outbreaks including chickenpox, insufficient food and water, and problematic medical care.
Crockett criticized the hearing's organizers for not inviting representatives from ICE, DHS or the Department of Justice to answer questions directly and cited state lawsuits and a recent federal district court decision that she said struck down an ICE practice that blocked a detainee's departure. She closed by urging unannounced oversight and said DHS must be held accountable for repeated failures described in court and watchdog reports.
