Kamlager-Dove Announces Bill to Ensure Medical Care for ICE Detainees

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) held a press conference to announce the upcoming introduction of her Stop ICE’s Medical Neglect Act of 2026, legislation that creates a standardized system to report medical neglect in ICE detention facilities, requires each complaint to be investigated, and ensures adequate follow-up care. The congresswoman was joined by Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Gil Cisneros (CA-31). A livestream is available here.

This legislation is in direct response to ICE repeatedly denying proper medical care to Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a constituent of Rep. Kamlager-Dove, following a gunshot wound he suffered during an immigration enforcement traffic stop in October. He has been detained at Adelanto since December.

“Our humanity does not end at the doors of an ICE detention center. No one should suffer in government custody because their medical needs were ignored,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “Yet for nearly a year, my constituent Ricardo has repeatedly sought medical care at Adelanto, only to watch his pleas go unanswered and his condition worsen. Tragically, Ricardo’s story is not unique. That’s why I’m introducing the Stop ICE’s Medical Neglect Act to track these instances of abuse and ensure every detainee receives the timely and appropriate care they deserve.”

"We will not stand by while our immigrant neighbors are abused, denied basic human dignity, and treated as though their lives do not matter," said Rep. Judy Chu. "Rep. Kamlager-Dove’s legislation is so important because it will provide permanent protections for detainees by allowing them and their advocates to report medical neglect, and ensure those complaints are reviewed by board-certified medical professionals. Those responsible for the suffering and deaths in U.S. custody must be held accountable.” 

"Nobody should be denied basic care because they're in federal custody,” said Rep. Correa. "There are too many stories of untreated injuries, ignored medical requests, and unsafe drinking water in these facilities. That's not right, and it's not who we are as a country. This bill gives people in detention a real way to speak up about abuse or neglect without fear of retaliation.”

"Adelanto is a private prison. Owned and operated by the GEO Group with one goal in mind, padding their balance sheet. They do this by cutting back on service like medical treatment. This is happening across the country, and our neighbors are suffering because of it. This rampant mistreatment at ICE detention centers must end now. The bill introduced today will implement measures to hold ICE accountable for their disturbing pattern of mistreatment at detention centers across the country, requires them to provide adequate care, and takes significant steps to protect detainees’ access to the constitutional rights they continue to be denied. It’s long past time for the lawless actions of ICE to be reined in," said Rep. Cisneros.

The Stop ICE’s Medical Neglect Act would:

• Require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create an accessible database for detainees or legal counsel, advocates, and family members on their behalf, to file complaints of medical neglect or abuse while detained.
• Assign contracted, board-certified medical practitioners to review each complaint and provide appropriate treatment or medication to detainees, either in-person or through telehealth video conference call, until appropriate relief is provided.
  • The medical practitioners will have substantial experience administering care in correctional or detention facilities.
• Maintain a confidential filing process to protect detainees against retaliation or adverse treatment. 
  • No information will be shared without the detainee’s expressed consent.
• Inform detainees of language-appropriate interpretation services and provide translators during medical visits.

You can read the full bill text here.

Background:

Carlitos Ricardo Parias has been detained at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center since December and has received inadequate medical care for the gunshot wound he sustained during an immigration enforcement traffic stop in October.

In April, the Parias family reached out to the office of Rep. Kamlager-Dove seeking help securing access to medical care, and caseworkers began submitting inquiries to DHS regarding his treatment plan. In May, Rep. Kamlager-Dove conducted an oversight visit at Adelanto to check on Parias and press staff to provide appropriate care. Parias has described suffering from pain, limited mobility, swelling/discoloration, fevers, and persistent headaches. There are also concerns that he may have developed a bone infection.

Earlier this month, following advocacy from Rep. Kamlager-Dove and others, a federal judge ordered sweeping changes to improve conditions for detainees at Adelanto. Last week, Rep. Kamlager-Dove took to the House Floor to once again demand that ICE provide Mr. Parias the medical care he needs.

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