Allegations of Mistreatment at ICE Facility Highlighted in Watchdog Report

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General reported troubling incidents at the Winn Correctional Center, an ICE detention facility in Winnfield, Louisiana. The report highlighted multiple cases of mistreatment.

In one incident, an officer put a detainee in a chokehold to break up a fight. Another officer used a pen to stab a detainee’s thumb when the man obstructed a doorway. These actions were among various allegations documented by federal investigators.

The 30-page report offers insight into the conditions at an ICE detention center amid growing concerns about detainee treatment. The staff reportedly violated federal standards on physical force use and other guidelines. Additionally, the facility reportedly refused to provide complete footage of some violent episodes.

This report forms part of a broader audit by the inspector general’s office on approximately 200 ICE detention centers.

The number of detainees at ICE facilities has increased significantly during President Trump’s immigration policies. These centers function like prisons for individuals awaiting immigration hearings or those facing deportation proceedings. Many of these facilities are operated by private companies.

Recent unrest occurred outside a Newark facility, where protesters clashed with law enforcement following a hunger strike by inmates. The strike was in response to poor food quality and insufficient medical care. Reports have surfaced of detainees being denied showers and forced to sleep on bare floors. They also lacked essential medications for diabetes and high blood pressure.