Fact Check: "Over 1,200 allegations of sexual abuse in ICE custody went largely uninvestigated."
What We Know
The claim that "over 1,200 allegations of sexual abuse in ICE custody went largely uninvestigated" is supported by various reports and studies that highlight the alarming prevalence of sexual abuse allegations within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. A study covering the period from 2018 to 2022 reported a total of 922 sexual assault allegations made to ICE facility administration, with only 118 (12.8%) of those allegations being substantiated (Trends in Sexual Assault Against Detainees).
Additionally, a report from NPR revealed that between 2010 and 2017, there were over 1,200 allegations of sexual abuse and assault, with only 43 cases being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (NPR). This suggests a significant gap between the number of allegations reported and the investigations that were conducted.
Analysis
The evidence indicates that while there have been numerous allegations of sexual abuse in ICE custody, the investigation and substantiation rates are alarmingly low. The study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine analyzed data from 129 facilities and found that while allegations were reported, the substantiation rates were low, particularly for allegations against facility staff (Trends in Sexual Assault Against Detainees).
Furthermore, the NPR report highlights systemic issues within ICE, including a lack of transparency and accountability in handling allegations of abuse. The findings from expert inspections noted "negligent" medical care and "unsafe and filthy" conditions, which contribute to an environment where abuse may go unreported or uninvestigated (NPR).
The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their rigorous methodologies and the involvement of reputable organizations, such as the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which conducted inspections leading to the NPR report. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in media reports, which may emphasize sensational aspects of the findings.
Conclusion
The claim that "over 1,200 allegations of sexual abuse in ICE custody went largely uninvestigated" is Partially True. While the figure of over 1,200 allegations is accurate, it is important to note that this number spans a specific timeframe (2010-2017) and does not encompass all allegations reported after that period. The investigations into these allegations were indeed limited, with only a small fraction being substantiated. This indicates a troubling trend of underreporting and inadequate investigation of serious allegations within ICE facilities.
Sources
- Trends in Sexual Assault Against Detainees in US Immigration Detention ...
- 'Barbaric' and 'negligent' treatment in ICE detention ... - NPR
- Hundreds of immigrants have reported sexual abuse at ICE ... - PBS
- 'They're Not Breathing': Inside the Chaos of ICE Detention ... - WIRED
- DHS's Secret Reports on ICE Detention - POGO.org