California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) outlining concerns about conditions at the California City Detention Facility, which was opened earlier this year by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The facility is now the largest detention center in California. According to the California Department of Justice (DOJ), which inspected the site under its authority from Assembly Bill 103, there are significant problems with staffing, medical care, record-keeping, due process, and living conditions.
“Everyone has a right to dignity, safety, and respect. Earlier this year, we reported on unsafe and inadequate conditions at immigration detention facilities across California. We also raised concerns that these conditions would only worsen under an influx of new demand,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Unfortunately, because of the President’s inhumane mass deportation agenda, many of these concerns have come to pass. My team has seen and heard first-hand the dangerous conditions at California’s newest detention facility — conditions that violate ICE’s own standards. I implore DHS to take action to address these serious issues.”
The DOJ inspection found that key staff positions were unfilled months after opening and that there were not enough medical doctors for the detainee population. Staff responsible for supervising detainees appeared inexperienced and lacked basic understanding of civil detention management principles.
Living conditions described by detainees included leaks from rainwater or plumbing into living spaces, insufficient clothing and blankets for warmth, and threats of disciplinary action if vents were covered to block cold air.
Healthcare was also found lacking; female detainees arrived before basic supplies for women’s health care were available—a violation of multiple ICE standards.
Attorney General Bonta’s letter seeks to inform DHS about these findings so corrective action can be taken. CoreCivic operates this facility under contract with ICE and is required to comply with ICE National Detention Standards.
Assembly Bill 103 requires DOJ review and reporting on immigration detention facilities through July 1, 2027. These reports aim to provide transparency about conditions faced by people in civil immigration detention in California.
The California Attorney General’s office serves as the state’s chief law enforcement authority within the executive branch and is responsible for enforcing state laws while protecting public rights and safety across California. Led by Rob Bonta since his appointment as Attorney General, the office advances policies in areas such as civil rights and consumer protection statewide.
Attorney General Bonta released DOJ’s fourth report on immigration detention facilities earlier this year, identifying ongoing deficiencies in standard of care amid increased federal enforcement efforts.