Concerns Over Water Quality at Adelanto ICE Facility Spark Legal Action
Carlitos Ricardo Parias voiced concerns about the drinking water quality at Adelanto ICE Processing Center. During a video call from the facility, he showed his family a plastic bottle containing drinking water with what resembled worm-like creatures.
Parias’ immigration attorney, Carlos Jurado, shared the video with The Times. In an interview, Jurado stated, “No one should drink something like it.” He criticized the treatment detainees receive, comparing it unfavorably to the care given to animals.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security denied any issues with the facility’s conditions, noting that the water comes from the city of Adelanto and is the same as that used by local residents and businesses. They stated employees and detainees have continuous access to water fountains and coolers.
The spokesperson also mentioned that detainees receive proper meals, water, medical care, and communication opportunities with family and lawyers. Despite a federal judge’s recent order to improve conditions, immigrant rights attorneys report continued complaints about drinking water, food, and medical care.
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles, or CHIRLA, has reported violations of the court order. The nonprofit is among the plaintiffs in a federal civil class action lawsuit against DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement concerning the facility’s conditions. Detainees have initiated hunger strikes, criticizing their living conditions.
Recently, U.S. District Judge Sunshine S. Sykes issued a preliminary injunction, mandating DHS and ICE to improve the facility. The ruling barred administrative segregation of detainees unless necessary for security or requested by a detainee.
Judge Sykes required ICE to submit a remedial plan for medical care and disability accommodations and appointed two independent monitors to oversee compliance with these reforms. Despite meeting some court requirements, critics argue that pressing issues like water and food quality remain unaddressed.
The federal government filed an emergency request to suspend the ruling pending appeal. Parias, a TikTok streamer injured by federal agents last year, reported unchanged conditions at the facility. He described unclean common areas and persistent water contamination issues.
Larry Aguilar, a fellow detainee, confirmed that water from communal coolers contained small, worm-like creatures. Aguilar noted no improvements in facility conditions after the court order and highlighted issues with access to clean drinking water, food quality, and staff behavior.
Detainees reported restricted outdoor access, and Aguilar expressed frustration about being kept indoors without adequate sunlight for two months.