Sasha Renée Pérez (File Photo – Office of Sasha Renée Pérez)
Sasha Renée Pérez is pushing new legislation aimed at increasing oversight of private immigration detention facilities in California after advocates and detainees reported troubling conditions inside several centers.
By News Desk
The proposed bill, SB 995, known as the Masuma Khan Justice Act, would strengthen the state’s ability to inspect private detention facilities and impose penalties on operators that fail to meet California’s health, safety, and labor standards. The measure would allow the state to fine facilities up to $25,000 per violation per day and suspend or revoke operating permits for repeated violations.
Pérez said recent firsthand accounts from detainees highlight the urgent need for stronger oversight.
“We are hearing chilling first-hand accounts of deplorable and inhumane conditions inside private detention centers that are making millions in profits through unacceptable human suffering,” Pérez said. “My legislation will shine a light on these conditions by strengthening the state’s ability to conduct inspections, impose fines, and shut down the worst offenders.”
Advocates with the Otay Mesa Detention Collective recently reported finding handwritten notes attached to hygiene bottles outside the Otay Mesa Detention Center. The notes, written by detainees inside the facility, asked for help and described poor living conditions.
The bill is named after Masuma Khan, a 64-year-old Altadena resident who was detained at the California City Detention Facility. Khan, who has lived in the United States for nearly 30 years, was detained by federal agents during a routine immigration check-in appointment.
According to Khan, she was held in a cold facility without warm clothing, proper meals, or access to critical medications.
“While I was detained, I experienced fear and lasting trauma that no one should have to experience,” Khan said. “The lack of transparency and accountability at these facilities can only be prevented when legislators and regulatory agencies get fully involved.”
Supporters of SB 995 say Khan’s experience reflects broader concerns documented in a recent review by the California Attorney General’s Office, which found serious deficiencies at several private immigration detention facilities, including inadequate medical and mental health care, weak suicide prevention protocols, and barriers to legal access.
The legislation has drawn support from members of California’s congressional and legislative delegation, including Judy Chu and Mark González, who say the measure is necessary to ensure detainees are treated with dignity and that facilities comply with state standards.
SB 995 is sponsored by organizations including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Public Counsel, and the South Asian Network.
The bill is expected to be considered in a California Senate policy committee hearing later this spring.
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