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Report claims poor living, health, food conditions at Aurora ICE detention center

A report released Monday by a coalition of nonprofit organizations around the metro Denver area claimed a variety of living condition and medical concerns at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center, which is run by GEO Group.

A U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson called the claims of poor conditions “false,” saying all detainees are provided proper meals, medical treatment, hygiene products and opportunities to communicate with lawyers and family members.

The report was put together by Housekeys Action Network Denver, Casa de Paz, American Friends Service Committee and Aurora Unidos CSO.

The groups said they gathered complaint forms between September and February and conducted interviews with people formerly or currently detained in the facility. Top concerns included poor or no treatment for medical conditions, insufficient nutrition, poor sleeping conditions and inhumane treatment.

A February report from U.S. Rep. Jason Crow said 1,376 people are detained at the facility in Aurora.

Of 28 people who mentioned having a pre-existing medical condition in the GEO facility, 17 of them reported never receiving any form of treatment or receiving inappropriate or incomplete treatment, the report said.

One detainee in the facility reported being diagnosed as pre-diabetic while in the facility and getting the wrong medication multiple times, once causing hospitalization.

Others reported being denied glasses when they needed them to see, lack of quarantining during infectious outbreaks, and being mocked and dismissed during a life-threatening allergic reaction that led to hospitalization, the report said.

As for living conditions, the report cited extreme temperatures, “painfully uncomfortable” beds and lights and televisions on at high volume constantly, resulting in chronic poor sleep.

Detainees can opt to participate in the facility’s Voluntary Work Program, which pays $1 per day, said the report, which criticized the program as “severe” underpayment.

Detainees also reported being fed well below minimum health needs, with a calculated 198 calories in a reported lunch meal. Adults should receive a minimum of 500 calories per meal, the report said.

The report also claimed trends in cold, spoiled and stale food being served, and people with dietary restrictions not being accommodated.

In a statement, the federal agency said the detainees get medical care.

“It is a longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody,” a Homeland Security spokesperson said. “This includes medical, dental, and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility, a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. This is the best healthcare than many aliens have received in their entire lives.”

The groups who issued the report estimated that GEO Group’s Aurora facility gets $47 million each year from the federal government. The organization does not publicly report earnings from each site.



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