Action follows Ansari’s return to Eloy Detention Center this weekend
WASHINGTON – Tomorrow, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) will lead her colleagues in hosting a press conference demanding better and more humane conditions at ICE detention facilities.
“What I heard in Eloy, both from my constituents and from the many detainees who volunteered to speak with me, was horrific. They described having to drink water with chlorine in it and being given used underwear that gave them UTIs” said Ansari. “This time, I was able to speak with Yari, my constituent who has been detained since February and has had Leukemia for over 10 years. Yari has lost 55 pounds, is experiencing numbing and difficulty walking, coughing up blood, and has not been permitted to see an oncologist or specialist. I am calling for immediate medical intervention for Yari, and I will be back to Eloy very soon.”
WHO: Representative Yassamin Ansari, democratic colleagues
WHAT: Press conference demanding humane conditions at ICE facilities
WHERE: House Triangle
WHEN: Thursday, September 4, 12:00 pm ET / 9:00 am PT
RSVP: Credentialed press interested in attending should RSVP to ansari.press@mail.house.gov. Arizona press can livestream on Rep. Ansari’s YouTube account, here, or on social media (@RepYassAnsari on all platforms)
BACKGROUND:
This weekend, Ansari returned to the Eloy Detention Center to conduct her second oversight visit of the facility and attempt to meet with her constituents who are detained there. Last month, despite complying with the newly imposed guidance by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Ansari received notification that she was denied access to meet with her detained constituents less than 24 hours before the scheduled visit.
During her visit this past weekend, Ansari met with two of her constituents whose families she has corresponded with, as well as a list of detainees who voluntarily signed up to speak with her inside the facility. All told, 98 people signed up to speak with her.
View a video recap of Ansari’s visit HERE.
On May 29, Ansari conducted a surprise visit to the Eloy Detention Center. While inside, Ansari heard stories that confirmed reports of dehumanizing treatment towards detainees, dirty and uninhabitable living conditions, and lack of medical and mental health care. She was denied meetings with specific detainees with whom she requested meetings.
Following her first visit, Ansari sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons detailing her deep concerns about the inhumane conditions of the Eloy ICE Detention Center and demanding answers and independent oversight. ICE’s responsecame over a month after Ansari’s June 23 deadline, and denied claims Ansari herself heard from detainees.
Follow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more.
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