California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a strong warning to immigration detention centers in the state, stating they must make significant improvements to meet federal standards. This announcement came after the California Department of Justice released a detailed report highlighting serious shortcomings in the care provided to detainees, particularly in mental health services.
The report, which spans 165 pages, assessed all six privately-operated immigration detention facilities in California. It found that these centers are failing to provide adequate mental health care. Key issues included poor medical recordkeeping, insufficient suicide prevention measures, and the inappropriate use of force against detainees with mental health conditions.
Bonta emphasized the importance of oversight at these facilities, especially as the Trump administration pushes for stricter immigration enforcement and reduces federal scrutiny of detention conditions. He expressed concern that these factors could worsen the already critical issues within the facilities.
GEO Group, which operates four of the detention centers, disputed the findings of the report. A spokesperson claimed the allegations were politically motivated and part of a broader campaign against federal immigration enforcement.
The report is the fourth evaluation of California’s detention facilities since a law was passed in 2017 requiring the Department of Justice to investigate conditions through 2027. Previous reviews have also pointed to inadequate mental health care services. The latest findings come at a crucial time, as the Trump administration plans to implement a large-scale deportation program while federal oversight of detention conditions diminishes.
As of mid-April, California’s detention facilities were holding over 3,100 individuals, a significant increase from the 2,303 held in 2023. Alarmingly, only one in four detainees had a criminal record.
The report raised serious concerns about the facilities’ ability to provide proper health care, particularly as populations continue to rise. Bonta’s statement highlighted the urgent need for accountability and improvement in these detention centers.
Experts from the California Justice Department collaborated with correctional and healthcare specialists to evaluate conditions, including the use of force and access to healthcare. The findings revealed troubling deficiencies in recordkeeping and suicide prevention strategies across all facilities. Moreover, detainees often faced delays in receiving necessary medical care, and the report noted that individuals with mental health issues were disproportionately subjected to force.
Talia Inlender, a deputy director at UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy, described the report as a significant warning sign. She stressed the need for California to take action, especially as federal oversight weakens. Inlender pointed out that existing problems could lead to a humanitarian crisis if not addressed.
The report also criticized the facilities’ failure to conduct required mental health assessments before placing detainees in solitary confinement, a practice that can be especially harmful for individuals with mental health conditions.
In response to the report, ICE stated that it takes the safety and well-being of detainees seriously and is committed to maintaining humane conditions. They noted that routine inspections are part of their oversight process to ensure compliance with established care standards.
As the situation unfolds, advocates hope this report will prompt state action to protect the rights and health of immigrants in detention. California has laws allowing detainees to sue private operators for failing to meet care standards, which could serve as a tool for accountability.