A new report by Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union details allegations of human rights abuses at a Texas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The report, based on interviews with 71 detainees, claims that 64 of them experienced or witnessed physical abuse by staff, including beatings.

Abuse Allegations

Detainees at the Camp East Montana facility, located at the U.S. Army’s Fort Bliss in El Paso, reported being denied necessary medical care, forced to live in filthy conditions, and fed inedible meals. They also claimed to have been prevented from contacting their lawyers or family members.

The report’s findings are consistent with earlier reports of violence and substandard living conditions at the facility. At least three detainees have died since the facility opened in August, including a 55-year-old Cuban migrant who was handcuffed and stopped breathing after being held down by guards.

Response from ICE

The Department of Homeland Security has denied the allegations, stating that reports of inhumane conditions at the facility are ‘categorically false.’ However, the report’s authors argue that the U.S. government should shut down the facility, conduct independent investigations into the abuses, and end mass deportations and mandatory immigration detention.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.