Fact Check: Over 1,200 allegations of sexual abuse in ICE custody went largely uninvestigated.

Fact Check: Over 1,200 allegations of sexual abuse in ICE custody went largely uninvestigated.

Published June 28, 2025
±
VERDICT
Partially True

# Fact Check: "Over 1,200 allegations of sexual abuse in ICE custody went largely uninvestigated." ## What We Know The claim that "over 1,200 allegat...

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

  1. Trends in Sexual Assault Against Detainees in US Immigration Detention ...
  2. 'Barbaric' and 'negligent' treatment in ICE detention ... - NPR
  3. Hundreds of immigrants have reported sexual abuse at ICE ... - PBS
  4. 'They're Not Breathing': Inside the Chaos of ICE Detention ... - WIRED
  5. DHS's Secret Reports on ICE Detention - POGO.org

Have a claim you want to verify? It's 100% Free!

Our AI-powered fact-checker analyzes claims against thousands of reliable sources and provides evidence-based verdicts in seconds. Completely free with no registration required.

💡 Try:
"Coffee helps you live longer"
100% Free
No Registration
Instant Results

Comments

Leave a comment

Loading comments...

More Fact Checks to Explore

Discover similar claims and stay informed with these related fact-checks

Fact Check: Doctors—especially pediatricians—are incentivized by HMOs to vaccinate their patients, receiving between $200 to $600 per fully vaccinated child, potentially making over a million dollars annually.
Partially True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: Doctors—especially pediatricians—are incentivized by HMOs to vaccinate their patients, receiving between $200 to $600 per fully vaccinated child, potentially making over a million dollars annually.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Doctors—especially pediatricians—are incentivized by HMOs to vaccinate their patients, receiving between $200 to $600 per fully vaccinated child, potentially making over a million dollars annually.

Aug 10, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: george soros bought over 200 radio station in 2024 before the election
True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: george soros bought over 200 radio station in 2024 before the election

Detailed fact-check analysis of: george soros bought over 200 radio station in 2024 before the election

Aug 8, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: George Soros and the Open Society Foundations (OSF):

They have been the leading donors to the Democratic Party over the past 15+ years.

They have been the leading funders behind Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa "terrorist riots."

They have funded campaigns of dozens of corrupt judges, District Attorneys (DAs), and Attorneys General (AGs).

Soros has publicly stated his intention to dismantle the American constitutional republic.

The Democratic Party is aligned with this anti-American agenda.
Partially True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: George Soros and the Open Society Foundations (OSF): They have been the leading donors to the Democratic Party over the past 15+ years. They have been the leading funders behind Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa "terrorist riots." They have funded campaigns of dozens of corrupt judges, District Attorneys (DAs), and Attorneys General (AGs). Soros has publicly stated his intention to dismantle the American constitutional republic. The Democratic Party is aligned with this anti-American agenda.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: George Soros and the Open Society Foundations (OSF): They have been the leading donors to the Democratic Party over the past 15+ years. They have been the leading funders behind Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa "terrorist riots." They have funded campaigns of dozens of corrupt judges, District Attorneys (DAs), and Attorneys General (AGs). Soros has publicly stated his intention to dismantle the American constitutional republic. The Democratic Party is aligned with this anti-American agenda.

Aug 18, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check:  drug widely used to treat nerve pain has been linked with dementia and cognitive impairment.
A new study analyzing over 26,000 patient records has found a significant link between long-term gabapentin use and increased risk of both dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). 
Patients with six or more prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to develop MCI within a decade. 
The risk was even greater among adults aged 35 to 49, prompting researchers to urge physicians to monitor cognitive health in patients using the drug long-term.
Gabapentin has grown in popularity as a less addictive alternative to opioids. However, its mechanism—dampening communication between neurons—may also disrupt critical brain connections, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. 
While past research has been inconclusive, this new study’s large sample size offers more weight to the growing concerns. Researchers stress the importance of further investigation to determine whether gabapentin plays a causal role in dementia development or simply correlates with other risk factors in chronic pain patients.
Source: Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (2025).
Partially True

Fact Check: drug widely used to treat nerve pain has been linked with dementia and cognitive impairment. A new study analyzing over 26,000 patient records has found a significant link between long-term gabapentin use and increased risk of both dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients with six or more prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to develop MCI within a decade. The risk was even greater among adults aged 35 to 49, prompting researchers to urge physicians to monitor cognitive health in patients using the drug long-term. Gabapentin has grown in popularity as a less addictive alternative to opioids. However, its mechanism—dampening communication between neurons—may also disrupt critical brain connections, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. While past research has been inconclusive, this new study’s large sample size offers more weight to the growing concerns. Researchers stress the importance of further investigation to determine whether gabapentin plays a causal role in dementia development or simply correlates with other risk factors in chronic pain patients. Source: Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (2025).

Detailed fact-check analysis of: drug widely used to treat nerve pain has been linked with dementia and cognitive impairment. A new study analyzing over 26,000 patient records has found a significant link between long-term gabapentin use and increased risk of both dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients with six or more prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to develop MCI within a decade. The risk was even greater among adults aged 35 to 49, prompting researchers to urge physicians to monitor cognitive health in patients using the drug long-term. Gabapentin has grown in popularity as a less addictive alternative to opioids. However, its mechanism—dampening communication between neurons—may also disrupt critical brain connections, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. While past research has been inconclusive, this new study’s large sample size offers more weight to the growing concerns. Researchers stress the importance of further investigation to determine whether gabapentin plays a causal role in dementia development or simply correlates with other risk factors in chronic pain patients. Source: Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (2025).

Aug 15, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check:  drug widely used to treat nerve pain has been linked with dementia and cognitive impairment.
A new study analyzing over 26,000 patient records has found a significant link between long-term gabapentin use and increased risk of both dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). 
Patients with six or more prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to develop MCI within a decade. 
The risk was even greater among adults aged 35 to 49, prompting researchers to urge physicians to monitor cognitive health in patients using the drug long-term.
Gabapentin has grown in popularity as a less addictive alternative to opioids. However, its mechanism—dampening communication between neurons—may also disrupt critical brain connections, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. 
While past research has been inconclusive, this new study’s large sample size offers more weight to the growing concerns. Researchers stress the importance of further investigation to determine whether gabapentin plays a causal role in dementia development or simply correlates with other risk factors in chronic pain patients.
Source: Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (2025).
Partially True

Fact Check: drug widely used to treat nerve pain has been linked with dementia and cognitive impairment. A new study analyzing over 26,000 patient records has found a significant link between long-term gabapentin use and increased risk of both dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients with six or more prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to develop MCI within a decade. The risk was even greater among adults aged 35 to 49, prompting researchers to urge physicians to monitor cognitive health in patients using the drug long-term. Gabapentin has grown in popularity as a less addictive alternative to opioids. However, its mechanism—dampening communication between neurons—may also disrupt critical brain connections, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. While past research has been inconclusive, this new study’s large sample size offers more weight to the growing concerns. Researchers stress the importance of further investigation to determine whether gabapentin plays a causal role in dementia development or simply correlates with other risk factors in chronic pain patients. Source: Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (2025).

Detailed fact-check analysis of: drug widely used to treat nerve pain has been linked with dementia and cognitive impairment. A new study analyzing over 26,000 patient records has found a significant link between long-term gabapentin use and increased risk of both dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients with six or more prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to develop MCI within a decade. The risk was even greater among adults aged 35 to 49, prompting researchers to urge physicians to monitor cognitive health in patients using the drug long-term. Gabapentin has grown in popularity as a less addictive alternative to opioids. However, its mechanism—dampening communication between neurons—may also disrupt critical brain connections, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. While past research has been inconclusive, this new study’s large sample size offers more weight to the growing concerns. Researchers stress the importance of further investigation to determine whether gabapentin plays a causal role in dementia development or simply correlates with other risk factors in chronic pain patients. Source: Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (2025).

Aug 15, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check:  over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with little or no savings and under constant threat of financial collapse. Nearly 37 million Americans lived below the official poverty line in 2023.
Partially True

Fact Check: over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with little or no savings and under constant threat of financial collapse. Nearly 37 million Americans lived below the official poverty line in 2023.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with little or no savings and under constant threat of financial collapse. Nearly 37 million Americans lived below the official poverty line in 2023.

Aug 10, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: Over 1,200 allegations of sexual abuse in ICE custody went largely uninvestigated. | TruthOrFake Blog