Fifteen Large ICE Detention Facilities Uninspected for Over a Year After Policy Change

1-Minute Brief

Reduced inspection frequency at major ICE facilities has raised concerns amid recent deaths and shootings involving detainees.

Key Facts

• Fifteen ICE detention centers holding 500 or more detainees have not been inspected in over 12 months as of late June.
• Mexico has announced plans to seek US criminal complaints over deaths of its citizens in ICE custody and during enforcement.
• ICE facilities are now inspected annually or biennially, rather than twice a year, following a policy change.
• The shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo is one of at least 17 immigration enforcement shootings in the last year.
• A CBS News analysis found the inspection policy change led to less frequent oversight of large ICE facilities.

What Happened

A CBS News analysis found that 15 large ICE detention facilities have gone over a year without inspection after a policy change. This comes as Mexico responds to deaths of its citizens in ICE custody and during enforcement, and amid reports of recent shootings involving immigration authorities.

Why It Matters

The reduction in inspection frequency has prompted scrutiny of oversight and accountability at ICE facilities, especially following deaths and shootings involving detainees. Mexico's diplomatic response signals increased international attention to US immigration enforcement practices.

What's Next

Mexico is expected to pursue criminal complaints in the US regarding the deaths of its citizens linked to ICE. Further examination of ICE inspection policies and their impact on detainee safety may follow.