CHICAGO—In a recent development, a federal judge conveyed a sense of hope regarding improvements at a federal immigration facility near Chicago, which had been criticized for its “inhumane” conditions.
Significant updates have been implemented at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility located in Broadview, a suburb west of Chicago. These changes include regular cleaning schedules, the provision of adequate bedding, and increased availability of drinking water and soap for the detainees.
U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman mandated these reforms following hours of powerful testimonies from individuals held at the facility. Detainees had recounted distressing conditions, such as overflowing toilets, overcrowded cells, the absence of beds, and water with a “sewer-like” taste. Judge Gettleman described these conditions as “unnecessarily cruel.”
The testimonies shed light on the situation within the facility, which has been a point of concern for advocates and has drawn the attention of Congress members. The facility has been referred to as a de facto detention center by both attorneys and family members of those detained. For several weeks, it has been the site of tense protests.
Expressing cautious optimism, Judge Gettleman remarked, “I am pleased with the government’s report, and hopefully we’re moving in the right direction,” following a briefing on the latest changes.
The government asserts that it is largely adhering to Judge Gettleman’s directives, which are set to remain in place for a 14-day period.
Staff on Thursday began cleaning each holding room of the facility twice a day and have ordered bedding and mattresses, according to a status report from attorneys representing the federal government. The attorneys say the facility has soap, towels, toilet paper and drinking water available for detainees but will not provide toothbrushes and toothpaste unless requested by a detainee, claiming the toothbrushes “can be used as weapons.” The government is also working to secure a new food vendor contract, according to court filings.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs say they are “doubtful” that the changes have been made and want to be able to inspect the facility.
Alexa Van Brunt, director of the MacArthur Justice Center’s Illinois office and an attorney for the plaintiffs, also complained Friday that they still don’t have a working phone number or email that allows attorneys to reach their clients who are held in the facility. She said the phone numbers provided to them remain disconnected
“This has been such a repeated issue, and one that has had significant consequences,” Van Brunt told Gettleman.
Gettleman instructed the federal government to “fix that as soon as we can.”
“That’s not compliant with the First and Fifth Amendment that’s for sure,” he said before setting another meeting to discuss progress for Nov. 12.
Earlier in the morning, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered the lead plaintiffs in the case — Pablo Moreno Gonzalez and Felipe Agustin Zamacona — be released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody immediately.
Van Brunt celebrated her clients’ release in a statement to the Associated Press.
“After bravely sharing their harrowing accounts of what it is like to be detained in Broadview, we are incredibly relieved that they no longer have to be held in inhumane conditions and can be safely returned to their families,” she said.
Ellis is the same judge who on Thursday issued an extensive injunction restricting federal agents’ use of force after saying a top Border Patrol official repeatedly lied about threats posed by protesters and reporters.
