Rep. Lauren Underwood's Shocking Visit to Chicago ICE Facility Reveals Terrible Conditions
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood recently toured the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Chicago, where she was met with a stark reality - appalling living conditions that defy basic human decency.
Upon visiting the facility, Underwood stated that the conditions were "terrible" and not suitable for anyone to spend time in. Her remarks were echoed by former detainees who described the facility as unsanitary and cramped. The facility's holding cells are segregated by gender, with the largest cell containing 45 plastic chairs and three showers.
The facility's acting director, Samuel Olsen, recently announced his departure, paving the way for a new acting director to oversee the Broadview facility and six-state region. Underwood expressed concern that staffing at Chicago area ICE facilities is expected to triple in the coming months due to increased funding from President Donald Trump's "big beautiful bill."
The facility's conditions are so dire that U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman recently issued a 15-point temporary restraining order, demanding improvements in bedding, cleanliness, food, access to medications, and access to lawyers for detainees. Underwood described the showers as "working" but not suitable for public use due to poor toilet conditions.
The facility's stark reality was further highlighted by Underwood's visit, where she witnessed ICE staffers downplaying their obligations to meet minimum detention standards. Detainees were fed Subway sandwiches or food from Wal-Mart, with no medical contracts or vendors in place.
Underwood has been trying to visit the facility since September but had her request initially denied due to a government shutdown. However, funding was later restored, allowing her to gain access to the facility and raise awareness about the deplorable conditions faced by detainees.
The American people need to know what's happening in their communities, and Underwood intends to continue visiting all DHS facilities in Illinois to monitor the situation closely. As she aptly put it, "That money is being spent here - the staff footprint in this facility and downtown will triple by January... They are increasing immigration enforcement at that rapid rate."
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood recently toured the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Chicago, where she was met with a stark reality - appalling living conditions that defy basic human decency.
Upon visiting the facility, Underwood stated that the conditions were "terrible" and not suitable for anyone to spend time in. Her remarks were echoed by former detainees who described the facility as unsanitary and cramped. The facility's holding cells are segregated by gender, with the largest cell containing 45 plastic chairs and three showers.
The facility's acting director, Samuel Olsen, recently announced his departure, paving the way for a new acting director to oversee the Broadview facility and six-state region. Underwood expressed concern that staffing at Chicago area ICE facilities is expected to triple in the coming months due to increased funding from President Donald Trump's "big beautiful bill."
The facility's conditions are so dire that U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman recently issued a 15-point temporary restraining order, demanding improvements in bedding, cleanliness, food, access to medications, and access to lawyers for detainees. Underwood described the showers as "working" but not suitable for public use due to poor toilet conditions.
The facility's stark reality was further highlighted by Underwood's visit, where she witnessed ICE staffers downplaying their obligations to meet minimum detention standards. Detainees were fed Subway sandwiches or food from Wal-Mart, with no medical contracts or vendors in place.
Underwood has been trying to visit the facility since September but had her request initially denied due to a government shutdown. However, funding was later restored, allowing her to gain access to the facility and raise awareness about the deplorable conditions faced by detainees.
The American people need to know what's happening in their communities, and Underwood intends to continue visiting all DHS facilities in Illinois to monitor the situation closely. As she aptly put it, "That money is being spent here - the staff footprint in this facility and downtown will triple by January... They are increasing immigration enforcement at that rapid rate."
I'm literally shook by Rep Underwood's visit to the ICE facility 
. 45 chairs and only 3 showers?!?! How can we call ourselves a decent society when our facilities are like this?!? 
It's not just about detention, it's about basic human rights 
.
. We need more people like her to hold our government accountable 
. The temporary restraining order is a good start, but I want real change 
.
. These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet; these are human beings living in squalor 
.
. No more excuses, no more poor conditions 
. Our government is being held accountable and I'm here for it 
! 
, but like, some ppl say she shouldn't be doing it because, idk, she's a politician now? 
But seriously, the conditions at this ICE facility are disgusting 
, and we need to know what's going on behind closed doors.
, but at the same time, I'm like, "Uh, shouldn't she be working with the admin to fix these problems instead of just visiting and reporting on them?" 
It's a bit confusing, right?
. Like, isn't it their job to provide basic human decency to detainees? 
, and I love that she's planning to visit other DHS facilities in Illinois 
. Maybe we'll finally get some answers about what's really going on in our communities 
.
. And no medical contracts or vendors in place? That's like leaving people to rot on purpose 
. We need to demand change and make sure our elected officials are held accountable for the actions they take (or don't take) regarding our communities. Underwood is right, we do need to know what's happening in our communities, and we deserve better than this 
.
. This isn't just a Chicago issue, it's a national issue. We need to demand change at all levels, from our local communities to our federal government. No more excuses, no more complacency 
ICE facility conditions r super bad! They got 45 chairs & only 3 showers 
. Rep Underwood said it's "terrible" & not fit for human decency 
because conditions are so bad. Detainees are eating Subway sandwiches & Wal-mart food 
... no medical contracts or vendors 
. This is just a total nightmare 
I'm not even sure why we need a rep to come and expose the horrible conditions at ICE facilities. Can't some of us just use our own eyes and Google it? 
And btw, why do we have to rely on politicians for news about these issues? It's like they're trying to profit off our outrage or something 
.
.
, its just crazy. I mean, youd think thats a human rights issue or something 
. Underwood's visit really showed the world how bad these conditions are 
. Its not just about the facilities itself, its about the people being held there 
. but at the same time, i dont think its entirely fair to say that president trump's "big beautiful bill" is responsible for all this chaos... maybe the staff just needs more training or resources or something? 
. Can't believe the judge had to step in and issue a restraining order