Brownley Demands Answers Over Conditions at ICE Processing Center in Camarillo

Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) renewed her demand for answers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding conditions and operations at the ICE Processing Center in Camarillo, California. Brownley sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons raising serious concerns about transparency, safety, and the treatment of detainees at the facility.

Brownley's letter follows reports from constituents and local advocacy groups of ambulances and first responders repeatedly seen outside the Camarillo center. She stressed that, given the documented pattern of abuse and inhumane treatment at ICE facilities nationwide, DHS and ICE must provide immediate accountability and oversight.

In the letter, Brownley pressed for detailed information on the scope and legality of immigration enforcement activities at the facility, including whether U.S. citizens, veterans, or DACA recipients have been detained, and whether detainees are being afforded adequate legal counsel, medical care, and safe conditions. She also demanded information on whether detainees' rights are being protected and what steps ICE is taking to ensure compliance with federal law.

"The people of Ventura County deserve transparency and accountability from DHS and ICE. We cannot and must not turn a blind eye to reports of mistreatment, unsafe conditions, or violations of due process," said Brownley. "Congress has a responsibility to conduct oversight of federal agencies, and I intend to fulfill that duty on behalf of my constituents."

In addition to demanding answers, Brownley formally requested access to conduct a site visit of the Camarillo facility as part of her Congressional oversight responsibilities. She asked for a detailed response to her questions no later than September 19, 2025.

The full letter can be found here and below:

September 12, 2025

The Honorable Kristi Noem
Secretary
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20528-0525

Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons,

I am writing to seek urgent answers regarding the conditions and operations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Processing Center in my district, located at 321 Cortez Circle, Camarillo, California 93012.

My office has received several reports of ambulances and first responders outside of the facility, raising serious questions about the safety of detainees and conditions under which detainees are held. Given the documented pattern of abuse and inhumane treatment reported at ICE facilities across the country, it is of utmost importance that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provide greater transparency and accountability with regards to ICE's facilities and operations, and ICE must allow Members of Congress to conduct site visits at ICE facilities to fulfill our Constitutional oversight duties.

In light of these concerns, I am requesting prompt answers to the following questions:

1. What immigration enforcement activities, if any, have taken place this year at the ICE processing center in Camarillo?
2. How many individuals have been detained this year at the Camarillo facility, and how many are currently detained at the Camarillo facility? What is the status of each affected individual, and are any facing imminent deportation proceedings? Has anyone been placed in expedited removal or administrative removal?
3. For individuals detained, how many have had access to legal counsel? How many have been allowed to notify family members and loved ones of their location and reasons for detention? What is the process for such notifications, and what is the process for loved ones and legal counsel to visit with or speak to those detained?
4. Are U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, DACA recipients, visa holders, or veterans among those questioned or detained? If so, how are their rights being protected?
5. What steps has ICE taken to ensure proper medical care is being provided to injured or ill detainees? Has ICE requested emergency medical care for any of its detainees, and if so, on how many occasions? If ICE requested emergency assistance, what were the conditions of the detainee(s) that necessitated an emergency response call?
6. Detail the food, sanitation, and living conditions at the facility. Are detainees being regularly provided with food and water? Do detainees have access to restrooms and reasonable privacy for dressing? Are detainees held in rooms that meet federally-mandated occupancy safety standards?
7. What steps is ICE taking to comply with disability rights laws and ensuring that detainees are provided access to necessary medications, assistive devices, and means of communication?
8. What steps is ICE taking to employ adequate measures to protect detainees from potential abuse and harassment?

Finally, I request access to visit the Cortez Circle facility as part of my oversight responsibilities and in pursuit of transparency and accountability. To arrange the visit, I request ICE officials contact my office at (805) 379-1779.

Given these pressing and immediate concerns, I also request a detailed response to my questions no later than September 19, 2025.

Sincerely,

JULIA BROWNLEY
Member of Congress

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Issues: 119th Congress, Civil Rights, Immigration