For years, advocates have been calling for reform regarding U.S. laws and policies that pertain to people who have emigrated to Florida and other states from other countries. Immigration detention is a concerning topic, and news has surfaced in another state suggesting that major changes are about to occur to better protect people being held in custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is no secret that many immigrants throughout the country have reported incidents of substandard medical care, inhumane conditions and even abuse in numerous detention facilities.
When a person is being held in ICE custody, he or she is entitled to fair and proper treatment. For instance, if a detained immigrant is in need of medical care, then detention officers must provide access to such care. Sadly, many immigrants have said that they were denied such care, and others have accused detention facility officials of physical abuse and other maltreatment.
In California, there are four main immigration detention facilities, all of which are privately owned and run for profit. Governor Gavin Newsome recently signed a new law making it possible to hold for-profit detention center officials legally accountable for standards of care toward detainees. In the past, because such facilities are privately owned, there was been a loophole that prevented immigrants from filing lawsuits against officials they claimed to have violated minimum standards of care.
The new law reportedly provides a clear path for immigrants residing under ICE custody in privately owned detention facilities in California to take legal action under state tort laws against officials employed in such facilities for civil rights violations. Any Florida immigrant facing similar issues can reach out for support at any time. An attorney who is well-versed in immigration detention issues can help determine a best course of action regarding a specific set of circumstances.
