Following Reports of a Hunger Strike, Ramirez Opens Investigation into Conditions at El Valle Detention Facility

Washington, DC - This week, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Ranking Member of a Subcommittee in the Committee of Homeland Security, led seven colleagues in opening an investigation into theinhumane conditions at El Valle Detention Facility, including threats of force-feeding, a lack of access to potable water and food, aggression and mistreatment by guards at the facility, and denial of critical medical care. The investigation comes following reports of hunger strikes at 10 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or contractor-run detention facilities across the country.

In the letter addressed to Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David Ventrulla, lawmakers condemned the conditions reported at El Valle Detention Facility and raised serious concerns about hunger strikes involving detained individuals. The members also questioned threats levied against strikers by guardians, after investigations by The Guardian revealed multiple traumatic instances of force-feeding in ICE detention.

"Any detention center unable to provide adequate medical care, guarantee safe and sanitary facilities, and meet detained individuals' basic needs should not be authorized to continue operating," wrote the lawmakers. "Given the significant resources Republicans in Congress have appropriated to DHS and ICE, there is no excuse for facilities failing even to meet the Department's own detention standards."

The lawmakers are requesting information regarding the number of medical providers on-site, the number of detainees who have received medical care, the process of off-site medical care, and the facility's policy for engaging with detainees on hunger strikes. The agencies must provide an answer by November 2, 2026. Additionally, the lawmakers demanded the release of the hunger strikers and that the agencies refrain from force-feeding any person in their custody.

According to ICE data, immigrant detention remains at a record high with 65,675 detained immigrants as of July 2026, and at least 60 deaths documented in detention since January 2025. Data has also shown that delayed and denied medical care is a leading cause of deaths in detention.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), and Greg Casar (TX-35).

For the full letter, CLICK HERE.