ACLU of Florida v. ICE

  • Latest Update: Oct 24, 2024
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Summary

In February and August 2024, the ACLU of Florida submitted Freedom of Information Act requests to ICE seeking information related to individuals’ detention in ICE custody at the Baker County Detention Center in Macclenny, Florida. These records have been sought as part of our efforts to monitor conditions at Baker and similar facilities and provide advocacy surrounding such conditions, given that, through various investigations, we have discovered that Baker has consistently failed to ensure the safety and well-being of people in ICE detention, in violation of the 2019 National Detention Standards.

The records sought will significantly contribute to the public’s understanding of Baker’s use of solitary confinement and use of force against individuals detained there, as well as Baker’s provision of mental health care for individuals detained there. After ICE failed to timely produce the requested records, we filed the lawsuit on October 24, 2024.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

The Baker County Detention Center, which in part operates as an immigration detention facility, has repeatedly engaged in harmful and retributive practices against detainees. Solitary confinement, violent force, and denial of essential health services are just a few of the inhumane tactics used. This lawsuit seeks to gain access to crucial information that will help us continue to monitor and raise awareness about the conditions at Baker.

The Latest: The government has agreed to process some of the records. The parties’ discussions on scheduling continue.