Human Rights

DHS Denies Ossoff Abuse Claims at ICE Centers

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has strongly rejected recent allegations by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) regarding the mistreatment of detainees at U.S. immigration detention centers, calling his claims “false” and politically motivated.

On Wednesday, Ossoff released a report compiled by his office, stating that since January 20, more than 500 “credible” allegations of human rights abuse had been identified across DHS-run immigration facilities. These included reports of physical abuse, medical neglect, mistreatment of children, and denial of legal representation.

Among the findings, the report claimed that:

510 reports of abuse were received or documented,

41 involved allegations of physical and sexual abuse by facility staff,

14 reports involved the alleged mistreatment of pregnant women,

18 reports involved children, including U.S. citizens, facing severe medical issues and denied treatment.

The senator’s office also reported that some detainees were placed in solitary confinement after reporting abuse, and others had been denied food, forced to sleep on the floor, or denied access to attorneys and family members.

In a statement released Thursday, DHS categorically denied the findings and accused Ossoff of spreading misinformation.

“Senator Ossoff’s false allegations of subprime conditions have been debunked time and time again by DHS,” said Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. “ICE detention facilities have higher standards than most U.S. prisons that detain American citizens.”

McLaughlin went on to accuse unnamed politicians of ignoring security issues at the border while seizing on false claims for political purposes. “Politicians stayed quiet as the Biden administration lost 450,000 unaccompanied migrant children and opened our border to terrorists and gang members,” she said. “Yet now, these same politicians are peddling false claims that rely on inaccurate reporting to score political points.”

In response to specific examples, DHS provided detailed counter-statements. Regarding pregnant detainees, the agency stated that the detention of pregnant women is rare and subject to strict oversight. “Pregnant women receive regular prenatal visits, mental health services, nutritional support, and accommodations aligned with community standards of care,” a spokesperson said. “No pregnant woman has been forced to sleep on the floor.”

DHS also addressed Ossoff’s claims concerning child detainees, including allegations that children as young as two had experienced medical neglect. According to DHS, all individuals entering ICE custody are provided with comprehensive medical care. “From the moment they enter ICE custody, they receive medical, dental, and mental health screening within 12 hours, followed by a full health assessment within 14 days,” the department stated. “For many of these children, this is the best healthcare they have received in their entire lives.”

Additional claims of food shortages and overcrowding were similarly rejected. DHS said that meals at detention centers are reviewed and certified by licensed dietitians, and all facilities are audited for compliance with national detention standards. “Any claim there is a lack of food or substandard conditions at ICE detention centers is false,” the agency stated. “All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers.”

The report from Ossoff’s office also mentioned instances where detainees were allegedly punished or silenced after filing abuse complaints. DHS denied that any such actions had taken place. Furthermore, the department stated that neither Ossoff nor his staff were denied access to any detention facilities during their investigation. “At no time during any ICE facility visits were concerns or complaints raised to facility staff,” DHS noted.

McLaughlin concluded by warning that spreading false narratives undermines law enforcement officers and increases threats against them. “These false allegations are garbage and are part of the reason ICE agents are now facing a 1,000% increase in assaults against them,” she said.

The senator’s office has not issued an additional response to the DHS rebuttal. The debate highlights the ongoing political divide over U.S. immigration enforcement, as well as the growing scrutiny over how the country treats those held in federal custody.

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