Joint Statement from Reps. Aguilar, Chu and Gomez on Retaliation Following Congressional Oversight Visit to Adelanto ICE Processing Facility

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA - Today, Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Judy Chu (CA-28) and Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) issued a joint statement following reports of retaliation against detainees at the Adelanto ICE processing facility:

"Recently, we performed our congressional responsibility of oversight at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center where we had heard reports of detainees going on hunger strike to protest horrific conditions at the facility. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet with three detainees.

"The individuals we met with raised serious concerns about their treatment within the center, including a lack of access to adequate food, water and medical care, as well as unfair retaliation of those participating in the strike.

"In the days since our visit, we learned of deeply troubling allegations that agents began punishing and unfairly targeting the men we met with, including harassing them, placing them in solitary confinement, moving them to other facilities around the country, and reportedly trying to expedite a deportation.

"Immediately following the reports, our offices contacted ICE demanding a full and complete accounting of the facts into these disturbing incidents and the hostile treatment of detainees. We have continued to follow up since our initial inquiry on June 2nd, but ICE has failed to provide an answer or justification for these actions.

"Let's be clear: there is no place for retaliation in our immigration system. Anyone who unjustly commits abuses against detainees must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. As Members of Congress, we will continue to use every oversight tool at our disposal to ensure fair and humane treatment of everyone in our immigration facilities."