Detainees allege inadequate medical care

Hundreds of immigration detainees held in facilities across at least 33 U.S. states have filed federal lawsuits alleging inadequate medical care, according to an investigation by The Associated Press and KFF Health News. Detainees said they experienced delays in receiving medications or were denied treatment altogether for conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and HIV. The allegations span multiple detention centers and have raised concerns about healthcare standards within the immigration detention system.

The investigation draws on court filings and detainee accounts that claim untreated conditions contributed to worsening health outcomes. Federal authorities and detention operators may face increased scrutiny as the lawsuits proceed through the courts.