Immigrants File Lawsuit Over Conditions at California's Largest ICE Detention Center

Seven immigrants detained at the California City Immigration Processing Center have initiated a federal lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing severe neglect and inhumane conditions within the facility. ([aclu.org](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/immigrants-sue-trump-administration-over-inhumane-conditions-at-californias-largest-immigration-detention-center?utm_source=openai))

 

The plaintiffs describe living quarters plagued by sewage leaks, insect infestations, and inadequate access to essential services such as medical care and legal representation. They report being confined in freezing cells without sufficient clothing, enduring unsanitary conditions, and facing prolonged isolation due to frequent lockdowns. ([aclu.org](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/immigrants-sue-trump-administration-over-inhumane-conditions-at-californias-largest-immigration-detention-center?utm_source=openai))

 

One detainee, Sokhean Keo, expressed, "ICE is playing with people's lives, and they treat people like they're trash, like they're nothing." He highlighted the lack of basic hygiene supplies, stating, "Some of the people I'm detained with don't even have soap—they take showers without soap—and they're losing weight because they don't have enough to eat." ([aclu.org](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/immigrants-sue-trump-administration-over-inhumane-conditions-at-californias-largest-immigration-detention-center?utm_source=openai))

 

The California City facility, operated by the private prison company CoreCivic, reopened in August 2025 to accommodate the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement efforts. Originally designed to house up to 2,560 individuals, the center currently detains approximately 800 people. ([aclu.org](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/immigrants-sue-trump-administration-over-inhumane-conditions-at-californias-largest-immigration-detention-center?utm_source=openai))

 

This lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in detention centers across the United States, particularly in facilities managed by private entities. Advocacy groups continue to call for increased oversight and accountability to ensure the humane treatment of all detainees.

 

The case is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.