Coalition reports worsening health conditions of migrants in detention

GROUPS CALL FOR CLOSURE OF ICE DETENTION CENTER IN AURORA

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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A coalition of civil rights organizations in Colorado has denounced the “deterioration” of conditions for immigrants held at a detention facility in Aurora, east of Denver. The groups report deficiencies in physical and mental health care, poor living conditions, food insecurity and alleged abuses by detention staff. Their findings appear in a report titled “Detained in ICE-olation,” based on testimonies from migrants held at the Aurora facility, which is operated by GEO Group under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to data released in February by Democratic Congressman Jason Crow, about 1,376 people are currently detained at the center, which generates roughly $50 million in annual revenue for the company. Nationwide, GEO Group reports revenues of about $2.4 billion, a portion of the $170 billion allocated to ICE under the “big and beautiful” law promoted by Donald Trump and signed in July last year.

The report includes interviews conducted over the past five months with detainees, family members and experts. It also contains statistical analysis of those testimonies, direct quotes from detainees and a review of public records, including previous lawsuits and medical histories. “People inside are risking their lives so the truth reaches the public, without any immediate benefit to them,” said AnnaRose Craig of the American Friends Service Committee.

Medical neglect and inadequate nutrition

The report links immigration detention to the broader housing crisis and to federal budget decisions. V. Reeves, of Housekeys Action Network Denver, described the situation in Aurora as part of a “systemic problem.”

One detainee interviewed for the report said he was diagnosed as prediabetic while in custody. “My feet were swelling and the doctor gave me different socks. They have given me the wrong medication two or three times. Once I had an adverse reaction,” he said.

He added that during one episode he struggled to breathe and felt as if he were choking. The report documents conditions including high cholesterol, anemia, headaches, hypertension and kidney stones, as well as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, which detainees described as illnesses “acquired in detention.”

Food quality was another critical issue raised in the report. One lunch described by detainees consisted of small portions of beans, corn, lettuce, bread and an unidentified item.

Based on that description, researchers estimated the meal contained about 198 calories, far below the roughly 500 calories recommended per meal for an adult. The report also highlights the emotional impact of detention on families. One man who cares for his mother with Alzheimer’s disease expressed fear that she could die while he remains detained.

“If she doesn’t take her medication, she gets lost. She can’t afford it without my help,” he said.

Calls to close the GEO facility

Family separation has further intensified concerns. According to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, immigrants detained in Aurora have been transferred to about 150 different facilities in states such as Arizona, Texas and Louisiana.

The coalition urged lawmakers including Jason Crow, Diana DeGette and Michael Bennet to review operations at the detention center.

In addition to asking officials not to ignore the testimony of detainees, the organizations are calling for the permanent closure of the GEO facility, the release of those currently detained and the return of the land to the communities of Aurora and Denver.