Senator Ossoff investigates alleged abuse in immigration detention centers

​

“Senator Jon Ossoff’s investigation into immigration detention centers has uncovered over 500 instances of human rights abuses, including mistreatment of pregnant women and children. The investigation, which began in January, has identified 18 credible reports of child mistreatment, prompting calls for specialized medical care in these facilities.

​

ATLANTA, Ga. (An ongoing investigation led by Senator Jon Ossoff is delving into alleged abuses within immigration detention centers across the United States. Since January, the investigation has reportedly uncovered more than 500 instances of human rights abuses, including the mistreatment of pregnant women and children.

"The detention facilities... Absent some threat to public safety, it's no place for children or pregnant women. Detention is incredibly dangerous and damaging," said Ossoff.

The investigation has so far identified 18 credible reports of mistreatment involving children. Ossoff highlighted a particularly troubling incident where "a child was vomiting blood. A mother begging for medical attention and a US Official advising 'just give the girl a cracker.'"

Dr. Marsha Griffin, CEO of Community for Children, Incorporated, emphasized the need for specialized medical care in these facilities. "Children are being held in facilities all over this country, and they need pediatric expertise to decide what are serious signs and symptoms and then to decide the treatment. Not a guard," she said.

This is not Ossoff's first investigation into detention centers. In 2022, he led an 18-month inquiry into medical mistreatment of women in U.S. detention, which revealed that female detainees at the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia were subjected to "invasive, and often unnecessary gynecological procedures."

Ossoff explained that these reports of abuse date back years and vowed to enact change. "Whether it's a facility in Georgia or it's a facility in another state, I'm going to continue to use my oversight powers and authorities of the Senate to stand up for civil and human rights," he said.”