Immigration advocates file new motion in lawsuit over conditions at Baltimore ICE facility
Two immigration rights organizations have asked a judge to halt what they allege are "inhumane conditions" at a Baltimore Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
In their the Amica Center for Immigration Rights and the National Immigration Project (NIP) alleged that ICE "fails to meet basic human needs" for detainees. The lawsuit claims the agency is breaking its own rules.
On Thursday, the groups requested a preliminary injunction. If granted, a judge would order ICE to strictly follow its holding cell policies, according to a spokesperson with the Amica Center.
A decision on the motion is expected in mid-July.
Lawsuit details conditions at ICE Baltimore holding center
The lawsuit stems from the case of two women who were held at the facility earlier this year.
In May, a federal judge suspended their deportation after attorneys argued the longtime Maryland residents were in the United States legally.
According to attorneys, the women were kept in small holding rooms at the George Fallon Federal Building in downtown Baltimore for a prolonged period of time. They were eventually moved to other facilities in New Jersey and Denver, Colorado.
One of the women was held for 60 hours, the other for 48 hours, before being moved.
The deportation of the two women will remain paused for as long as the case goes on.
Protests over conditions at ICE Baltimore facility
In March, the Amica Center and nonprofit CASA held a rally to share the experiences of people who were held in holding cells.
One CASA member spoke on behalf of a man named Alfredo, who said his daughter was detained for days.
"They are forced to endure meals of insufficient food, barely any water, and most appallingly, people like my daughter are being denied their vital medications they need for their health and wellbeing," the CASA member said.
Rachel Girod, an immigration attorney and partner at the law firm Eldridge Crandell, said she's had trouble getting in contact with clients once they're held in the facility.
Other advocates and state leaders have also raised concerns about the conditions in Baltimore's federal building.
Some criticisms include the size of the holding rooms, the lack of blankets, mattresses, and medical staff, and the absence of a food service contract.
Staffers for U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) also visited the ICE holding facility in March.
After their visit, Van Hollen and Alsobrooks sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons, addressing reports about the conditions detainees have experienced in the holding rooms at the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations in the Baltimore Field Office.
ICE responds to lawsuit
The Amica Center and NIP's lawsuit claims detainees are "subjected to inhumane and punitive conditions."
The lawsuit also claims detainees are held well beyond the 12 hours that ICE policy dictates.
In a statement, ICE said it "remains committed to enforcing immigration laws fairly, safely and humanely."
The agency contends it is in full compliance with federal laws, agency policies and upholds the "well-being and dignity" of those in custody.
U.S. Immigration enforcement
The Amica Center said getting this motion for a preliminary injunction granted is vital, especially as ICE continues to ramp up its enforcement.
On Truth Social Sunday night, President Trump ordered ICE to do "all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest mass deportation program in history."
The call to action was particularly targeted at major, Democratic-run cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
Mr. Trump addressed this with reporters during the G7 Summit in Canada, saying, "Most of [undocumented immigrants] are in the cities, all blue cities, all Democrat-run cities, and [Democrats] think they're going to use them to vote," he said. "It's not going to happen."
Despite his statement, Mr. Trump did not provide evidence of his claims.
While Baltimore was not explicitly listed in Mr. Trump's post calling for ramped-up enforcement, the administration did designate the city as a sanctuary jurisdiction.
