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Lawsuit challenges ICE removal of location data for 16,000 detainees

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

ICE removed location data for over 16,000 detainees from the Online Detainee Locator System on September 15.
The change affected more than 16,000 of roughly 69,000 people held in ICE custody.
Four groups, including Greater Boston Legal Services, sued in Boston alleging violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and First Amendment.
UN petition urges United States to publish detainee locations within one hour of arrest and give lawyers 24-hour notice.

Summary

A federal lawsuit alleges ICE detainees at Miami Correctional Facility suffered sexual assault, stabbing, and sewage-filled cells.
Transgender Guatemalan detainee Cynthia Acevedo reports sexual assault, no rape kit, and ineffective epilepsy medication changes.
Plaintiff Sergei Vasenin spent nine weeks in frigid solitary confinement without anti-depression medication, prompting suicidal thoughts.
A state audit triggered by an IndyStar investigation uncovered misreported medical backlogs, recovered funds, and led to a staff firing.

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ICE Removes Detainee Data

ICE removed location data for over 16,000 detainees from the Online Detainee Locator System on September 15.
The change affected more than 16,000 of roughly 69,000 people held in ICE custody.
Four groups, including Greater Boston Legal Services, sued in Boston alleging violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and First Amendment.
UN petition urges United States to publish detainee locations within one hour of arrest and give lawyers 24-hour notice.

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