Medical emergencies are spiraling out of control in ICE detention centers, revealing a system that prioritizes profit over human lives. A recent investigation exposed an alarming rise in emergency calls, with over 400 incidents reported across ten facilities in 2025 alone. Among these calls, pregnant women are suffering severe complications, raising urgent questions about the treatment of the most vulnerable in our society.
ICE Facilities Overrun by Medical Crises
According to an investigation by WIRED, more than 60% of the analyzed ICE detention centers reported serious medical incidents, including pregnancy complications and suicide attempts. The call for help is getting louder, but the system remains largely deaf to the cries of those detained. Since January 2025, these facilities have collectively placed nearly 400 emergency calls, highlighting a dire need for accountability and reform.
Pregnant Women at Risk
The conditions for pregnant women in ICE custody are particularly alarming. Reports indicate that ICE is detaining more pregnant individuals than in previous years, despite policies that discourage such practices due to the known health risks. Research shows that detaining pregnant women is inherently unsafe, leading to complications for both mother and child. As reported by The Needs of Incarcerated Pregnant Women, the healthcare needs of these women are often overlooked, exacerbated by the lack of access to proper medical facilities.
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Emergency Responses Delayed and Ineffective
Medical emergencies within these facilities are not only increasing in frequency, but the response times can be critically delayed. In one instance, a nurse at the Aurora ICE Processing Center contacted 911 for a pregnant detainee bleeding and in pain. The call revealed the inadequacies of medical resources available in these centers, with staff unable to provide basic assessments. This stark reality echoes throughout the system, where emergency medical care is often out of reach, leading to preventable tragedies.
Alarming Trends in Mental Health Crises
The mental health crisis within ICE detention centers is equally disturbing. Reports indicate a surge in suicide attempts and self-harm among detainees, with at least seven calls relating to these issues. As Anthony Enriquez, vice president of advocacy at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, states, "The conditions of confinement are so brutal that people have attempted suicide while waiting for their day in court." This reflects a system that is not just punitive but dangerously neglectful.
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Profit Over People in Private Detention
Private companies, including Geo Group and CoreCivic, profit immensely from the detention of individuals, often at the expense of humane treatment. The focus on maximizing profits leads to overcrowded facilities and inadequate medical care. As reported by the ACLU, the increased number of detainees also correlates with deteriorating conditions, where even basic healthcare becomes a luxury impossible to access.
With nearly 59,000 individuals detained and ICE's goal to ramp up detentions even further, we are witnessing the harsh consequences of a system that disregards the humanity of those it incarcerates. This alarming trend calls for immediate action from policymakers to hold ICE accountable and ensure the safety and health of all individuals in custody.
