Adelanto ICE Processing Center protest (File Photo – Erica Rosbe)
Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez issued a statement Thursday in response to a hunger strike taking place at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center’s Annex, Desert View private immigration detention facility in San Bernardino County.
By News Desk
According to Pérez, detainees at the facility are participating in what she described as “one of the oldest methods of civil disobedience” to demand improved detention conditions, including access to proper medical and mental health care, nutritious food, accountability for detainee deaths, bond reform, and the right to organize.
Pérez criticized GEO Group, the private company that operates the Adelanto detention center, saying detainees are risking their well-being to draw attention to conditions inside the facility and the profits generated through its operation.
In her statement, Pérez also referenced findings recently released by California’s Attorney General regarding conditions at multiple ICE detention facilities. The report described conditions as “cruel, inhumane and unacceptable,” citing issues including undercooked food, limited access to clean drinking water, delayed medical care, and six detainee deaths within less than a year.
Pérez said the findings underscore the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures for detention centers operating in California.
The senator pointed to her proposed legislation, Senate Bill 995, known as the Masuma Khan Justice Act, which would establish a statewide inspection and compliance framework for large involuntary residential facilities, including privately operated immigration detention centers such as Adelanto.
Pérez said the bill is based on the principle that detention centers operating in California should be required to meet California standards. She added that the measure has received bipartisan support.
The legislation is named after Masuma Khan, whom Pérez described as an Altadena resident and survivor of the Eaton Fire who was allegedly detained without warm clothing, adequate food, or access to medication. Pérez said Khan’s experience reflects broader concerns about the treatment of detainees without criminal histories.
Pérez said passage of SB 995 would help ensure detention centers provide adequate health care, improved living conditions, nutritious food, and greater transparency.
“No person should be treated as less than human at these facilities,” Pérez said.
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