Two Mexican immigrants living in the US for over 30 years have filed a class-action lawsuit against top officials at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging they were subjected to "inhumane and unlawful" treatment while detained at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Chicago.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Pablo Moreno Gonzalez and Felipe Agustin Zamacona, highlights deteriorating conditions at the facility since President Donald Trump launched his immigration crackdown earlier this year. The plaintiffs claim they were denied access to legal counsel, food, medical care, and basic necessities, and were subjected to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and mistreatment by guards.
According to ICE data cited in the lawsuit, nearly 5,200 people have been held at Broadview since January, with at least 200 people inside the facility at any given time. However, the numbers have increased since Operation Midway Blitz was launched on September 8, resulting in overcrowding and strain on the facility.
The lawsuit alleges that detainees were forced to stand in cramped conditions, with rooms described as having bodily fluid on the walls, overflowing toilets, and infestations of cockroaches and centipedes. Detainees claim they were treated like animals and were denied access to outside communication, including landlines and cellphones, and even conversations with lawyers.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs argue that the facility is not equipped to safely handle the large numbers of immigrants being held there, and that the conditions are "inhumane" and "unlawful". The lawsuit asserts that access to counsel is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and that detainees have been denied basic human rights.
The Trump administration has consistently denied allegations of abusive conditions in ICE facilities, but Operation Midway Blitz has been subject to intense scrutiny since its launch, with reports of abuse mounting. Advocates have accused the operation of demonstrating a "pattern of extreme brutality", including incidents such as tear gas being deployed near a neighbourhood Halloween parade with young children present.
The lawsuit is the latest in a string of class-action suits filed against the Trump administration, highlighting the deteriorating conditions at immigration facilities across the US.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Pablo Moreno Gonzalez and Felipe Agustin Zamacona, highlights deteriorating conditions at the facility since President Donald Trump launched his immigration crackdown earlier this year. The plaintiffs claim they were denied access to legal counsel, food, medical care, and basic necessities, and were subjected to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and mistreatment by guards.
According to ICE data cited in the lawsuit, nearly 5,200 people have been held at Broadview since January, with at least 200 people inside the facility at any given time. However, the numbers have increased since Operation Midway Blitz was launched on September 8, resulting in overcrowding and strain on the facility.
The lawsuit alleges that detainees were forced to stand in cramped conditions, with rooms described as having bodily fluid on the walls, overflowing toilets, and infestations of cockroaches and centipedes. Detainees claim they were treated like animals and were denied access to outside communication, including landlines and cellphones, and even conversations with lawyers.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs argue that the facility is not equipped to safely handle the large numbers of immigrants being held there, and that the conditions are "inhumane" and "unlawful". The lawsuit asserts that access to counsel is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and that detainees have been denied basic human rights.
The Trump administration has consistently denied allegations of abusive conditions in ICE facilities, but Operation Midway Blitz has been subject to intense scrutiny since its launch, with reports of abuse mounting. Advocates have accused the operation of demonstrating a "pattern of extreme brutality", including incidents such as tear gas being deployed near a neighbourhood Halloween parade with young children present.
The lawsuit is the latest in a string of class-action suits filed against the Trump administration, highlighting the deteriorating conditions at immigration facilities across the US.
I think these guys are being a bit harsh. I mean don't get me wrong, no one should be treated like dirt just 'cause they're undocumented. But have you seen the stats on how long these immigrants have been living in the States? Like, over 30 years?! That's a pretty good track record, if you ask me. They've got to know the system is gonna kick them out eventually. 
It's not like they're innocent victims or anything... although I do feel for 'em, you know?
Those guys can be pretty feisty when they want to be.
the pics of those detention centers are insane 
overcrowding and poor sanitation are unacceptable 
how can you treat people like that? 
how can u call this place humane?? 
It's like we're trying to break their spirits or something.
. The government needs to take responsibility for these people's lives and make sure they're getting the care they need, not just some token gestures 
.
. I'm not sure what the solution is, but we gotta do better for these people. We're a country that's supposed to be about compassion and kindness, you know? It's time for us to step up and make sure everyone is treated with dignity 
.
.
it's just crazy how some ppl can get away with this kinda stuff. i'm literally shaking with rage right now 
. And those conditions? Overcrowding, poor sanitation, cockroaches, centipedes... it's like they're treating them like animals 
. Can't believe the Trump admin is denying these allegations 
. This lawsuit better be taken seriously or we'll never see change 
.
My thoughts on this are super concerning 
. It's not just about the immigrants, it's about us as humans too 
. We deserve better 
.