ICE Detainee Reports Medical Neglect and Abuse at Indiana Facility

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee reported severe mistreatment at an Indiana detention center. Andranik Grigoryan, a New York resident, filed lawsuits after he experienced a seizure due to missed epilepsy medication and was allegedly pepper-sprayed by correctional officers.

Grigoryan was held at Miami Correctional Facility from December 30 to May 15. He filed lawsuits against Centurion Health, the prison’s medical provider, and unidentified Indiana Department of Correction officers in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

Allegations Against Centurion Health

The lawsuit against Centurion Health alleges staffing shortages led to inconsistent medication access. Grigoryan often missed doses of Keppra, his prescribed anti-seizure medication. On January 22, the absence of medical staff resulted in a severe seizure, leaving Grigoryan injured in his cell.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment and returned to the facility the same day. Grigoryan’s lawsuit claims this was part of a pattern of medication disruptions.

Allegations Against Correctional Officers

The second lawsuit addresses an incident post-hospitalization. Grigoryan was informed of a housing transfer while still affected by the seizure. When questioning the move, he was pepper-sprayed through a cell door cuffport.

The officers did not allow him to wash the pepper spray off, escalating his distress. The lawsuit argues this use of force violated Grigoryan’s rights under the 14th Amendment.

ACLU of Indiana Involvement

The ACLU of Indiana, representing Grigoryan, asserts his rights to adequate medical care and protection from excessive force were violated. Ken Falk, the ACLU’s legal director, emphasized the cruelty and unconstitutionality of the alleged actions.

Mr. Grigoryan had gone nearly a year without a seizure, but missed medications disrupted this period of stability.

Context and Other Incidents

This situation adds to broader concerns about Miami Correctional Facility. Two detainee deaths this year have spotlighted delays in medical care. A Cambodian detainee, Lorth Sim, died on February 16 without receiving necessary diabetes medication. Another detainee, Tuan Van Bui, died on April 1, also under ICE custody.

Both cases raise serious questions about medical practices at the facility, with demands for accountability and changes in treatment protocols.