Investigation Finds Medical Care Allegations in ICE Detention Across 33 States

An investigation by KFF Health News and The Associated Press reviewed thousands of habeas corpus court cases filed since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration and found allegations of delayed or denied medical care in immigration detention facilities across at least 33 states.

Detainees described missing medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and HIV. Some said requests for care went unanswered for weeks, leading to rising blood sugar, untreated infections and seizures.

Detention Population Increase U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement held more than 75,000 immigrants as of mid-January, up from roughly 40,000 a year earlier. Officials have said the increase stems from expanded enforcement after the president returned to office. Previously, some detainees with serious medical needs received humanitarian parole; current policy keeps many in custody under mandatory detention rules.

The Department of Homeland Security did not comment on the findings when contacted six days before publication. Acting chief medical officer Sean Conley has previously stated that detainees receive timely and appropriate medical care and that standards meet or exceed care many received before detention.

Individual facilities and private contractors that responded said they follow ICE medical standards. Some reported being unfamiliar with the specific allegations; others attributed lapses to the detainees themselves.

Families described making repeated calls to facilities and legislators after the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman was closed in early May. Attorneys noted that detainees are often transferred without notice, interrupting ongoing treatment such as HIV medication or specialist appointments.

A detainee who lost one eye and has severe glaucoma in the other reported missing daily eye drops on some days, according to court filings. Another said a scheduled gallstone surgery never occurred after multiple transfers.