Joaquín Castro Probes DHS on Allegations of Sexual Abuse at Immigration Detention Centers

 
Congressman Joaquín Castro (D-TX) sent a letter this week to the Department of Homeland Security, calling for an investigation into the treatment of sexual abuse allegations at Texas detention centers, and an expedited audit to assess compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act at the T. Don Hutto Detention Center. The letter, also signed by Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), expresses concern regarding the case of Laura Monterrosa, who remains detained at the facility and has faced escalating retaliation, including solitary confinement and other threats from officials if she does not retract her testimony of the abuse. Nationally, less than 1% of sexual assault allegations made inside of immigrant detention centers are investigated. Multiple women detained at T. Don Hutto have come forward with testimonies of sexual abuse and harassment in recent months. The facility has a history of sexual abuse, including the conviction of a guard for the sexual assault of at least eight women on the way to the airport for deportation. More here.