Lawsuit Filed Against California City ICE Detention Center Over Inhumane Conditions

Seven detainees at the California City Immigration Processing Center have filed a federal class-action lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration, alleging severe mistreatment and inhumane conditions at the facility. Opened in August 2025, the center, which was previously a state prison, is operated by the private prison company CoreCivic and has the capacity to house up to 2,560 individuals. Currently, it reportedly holds over 800 detainees.

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The lawsuit outlines a range of allegations, including inadequate access to food, water, and medical care. Detainees have reported being denied essential medications, including insulin for diabetes and treatment for serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease. The facility is described as "decrepit," with claims of sewage leaks, insect infestations, and frigid temperatures that leave detainees without proper clothing. Furthermore, the lawsuit asserts that detainees with disabilities are not provided necessary accommodations, such as wheelchairs or sign language interpreters.

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The California City Detention Facility has faced scrutiny since its inception, with civil rights groups raising concerns about the conditions within. The facility's rapid opening was part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to expand immigration enforcement and detention capacity across the United States. The lawsuit is supported by several advocacy organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Prison Law Office, which have long documented issues related to immigration detention conditions.

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Critics of the facility's operations argue that the conditions violate constitutional rights and fail to meet basic human needs. The lawsuit highlights a lack of oversight and accountability in the immigration detention system, which has been described as a "patchwork" of facilities that often prioritize expansion over humane treatment. Detainees have engaged in protests, including sit-ins and hunger strikes, to draw attention to their plight.

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ICE has declined to comment specifically on the lawsuit but maintains that it provides adequate medical care and adheres to federal detention standards. Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, stated that claims of substandard conditions are "false" and emphasized that detainees have access to medical care. CoreCivic has also defended its operations, asserting that the health and well-being of detainees are top priorities.

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• “Gustavo Guevara, also a named plaintiff, added, “No human being, immigrant or not, should be subjected to these horrendous conditions.” — Gustavo Guevara Alarcon, Plaintiff

American Civil Liberties Union

• “ICE is playing with people’s lives, and they treat people like they’re trash, like they’re nothing.” — Sokhean Keo, Plaintiff

The Guardian

• “Conditions at California City Detention Facility are dire,” — ACLU Lawsuit Statement

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• “The treatment of the people held in the California City facility is yet another example of ICE’s utter disregard for the rights and dignity of people in its custody,” — Kyle Virgien, ACLU National Prison Project

American Civil Liberties Union

The lawsuit seeks to certify a class action on behalf of all detainees at the California City facility and aims to compel improvements in conditions. As the case progresses, it may prompt further scrutiny of ICE's practices and the treatment of individuals in immigration detention across the United States.

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