Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, joined by colleagues and advocates, held a press conference to demand improvements in conditions at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. Speaking outside the Capitol, she shared observations from recent visits to the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona, a facility managed by private prison operator CoreCivic.
Ansari described hearing from nearly 100 detainees who reported troubling conditions, including inadequate medical care, poor sanitation, and extreme heat. She highlighted the case of her constituent, Arbella “Yari” Rodriguez Marquez, who has leukemia and has experienced significant weight loss and other severe symptoms while in detention. According to Ansari, Yari has not been able to see a specialist despite repeated pleas. Instead, she has reportedly been given only basic medications, raising concerns for her life and health. Ansari said she has written to ICE officials and shared medical records to advocate for immediate oncological care.
The Congresswoman also cited accounts of detainees forced to march in intense Arizona heat, being issued used clothing, and having to melt ice for water due to unsafe drinking supplies. She argued that such practices erode human dignity and urged oversight to prevent further harm.
Hattie Gasama of the American Civil Liberties Union joined the event, noting that these problems are not isolated. She described a broader expansion of detention facilities in remote areas with limited oversight, where conditions can be unsafe and detainees are often isolated from families, lawyers, and medical professionals. Gasama emphasized that Congress has both a legal and moral responsibility to ensure accountability and transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent on detention.
The press conference concluded with a personal statement from Yari’s best friend, who described witnessing her deteriorating health and urged leaders to act before it is too late.
Ansari reiterated that her efforts extend beyond one individual case, calling for systemic reforms to guarantee safe, humane treatment in ICE custody. While legislative solutions face challenges, she vowed to continue visiting facilities, drawing attention to detainee experiences, and pressing for accountability.
The event underscored growing concerns among lawmakers and advocates about how immigration detention is managed, especially regarding medical care, transparency, and the role of private companies in operating these facilities.
Source: Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari
