Following Visit to Campbell County Detention Center, Ramirez, Moore, McGarvey Open Investigation into Inhumane Conditions

Washington, DC - Today, Congressmembers Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Gwen Moore (WI-04), and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) opened an investigation into inhumane conditions, lack of proper food to manage detainees' well-being, and inadequate medical care at Campbell County Detention Center in Kentucky following a Congressional oversight visit in July. In the letter directed to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David Ventrulla, the members also questioned the department's ability or willingness to uphold their own National Detention Standards.

The lawmakers are requesting information regarding detainees who haven't received medical treatment, the process of providing medical care in detention,the effects of the shortfall in ICE's unpaid medical bills, access to gynecological and obstetrical health care, and followed up on reports of detainees being force-fed and subjected to involuntary medical procedures while on hunger strike by August 31, 2026.

During their visit, the members conducted a welfare check on three constituents-Ricardo, Octavio, and Anabell- who described inhumane conditions, lack of proper food to manage their well-being, delays in medication, and inadequate medical care.

"Any detention center unable to provide adequate medical care, guarantee safe and sanitary facilities, and meet detainees' basic needs should not be authorized to continue operating. Given the significant resources Republicans in Congress have appropriated to DHS and ICE, there should be no excuse for facilities failing to meet the Department's own detention standards," the members continued. "It is abundantly clear that DHS continues to demonstrate gross disregard for the health, dignity, personhood, and safety of our communities. However, we remain committed to providing oversight, advocating for our constituents, and calling for accountability."

According to ICE data, immigrant detention remains at a record high with 65,675 detained immigrants, and over 20 deaths documented in detention during the first half of 2026. Data has also shown that delayed and denied medical care is a leading cause of deaths in detention.

For the full letter, CLICK HERE.