Rep. Judy Chu press conference in front of the Adelanto ICE facility (Photo – Screengrab)
Five California lawmakers conducted a high-stakes oversight visit to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center on Tuesday, June 17, uncovering what they described as “inhumane” conditions and expressing deep concern over the treatment of detainees, including U.S. citizens who may have been wrongfully held.
By News Desk
Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mark Takano (CA-39), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), and Luz Rivas (CA-29) were granted entry to the facility, invoking their legal authority under federal oversight laws. Their visit followed reports of unlawful immigration raids, due process violations, and troubling allegations that some detainees may have been citizens.
During the visit, the delegation learned that the facility, which held just 300 detainees last month, is now operating at full capacity with 1,100 individuals, a dramatic increase they attributed to former President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies.
“While I’m relieved that we were ultimately allowed into the Adelanto facility, as is our legal right as Members of Congress, this visit only reinforced how much work remains,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “The conditions many of these people are facing are inhumane… They have gone days without changing their clothes and have been unable to contact family or legal counsel.”
Rep. Linda Sánchez condemned what she called “racial profiling” and emphasized that many detainees are not criminals but essential workers. “President T. is indiscriminately targeting the hardworking individuals in our communities who keep our economy running,” Sánchez said. “The immigration raids happening today… are racial profiling. Full stop.”
Rep. Mark Takano criticized ICE for what he called “inflammatory tactics” and demanded broader systemic accountability. “Just because ICE has opened their doors to a few members of Congress does not excuse their tactics to meet deportation quotas,” he said.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove described what she saw as “disturbing” and “cruel.” She cited reports of detainees being forced to wear the same clothes for ten days, lacking drinking water and medical care, and receiving meals only every fourteen hours.
The lawmakers’ visit comes amid growing concern over stepped-up immigration enforcement in California communities, including high-profile raids in areas like Pico Rivera. They pledged to continue pushing for transparency and reform, warning that current practices violate core American values and legal protections.
“This is a betrayal of our values and a violation of our immigration laws. It must end,” said Rep. Sánchez.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not yet issued a public response to the lawmakers’ claims.
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