A report by the Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog reveals troubling incidents at the Winn Correctional Center, an ICE detention facility in Winnfield, Louisiana. Federal investigators documented cases where officers mishandled detainees.
In one instance, an officer placed a detainee in a chokehold while attempting to stop a fight. Another officer was seen stabbing a detainee’s thumb with a pen after the individual resisted by blocking a door. This action caused a puncture to the man’s skin.
The 30-page report was obtained by The New York Times and offers rare insights into the conditions within ICE facilities. It highlights violations of federal standards by staff members regarding the use of physical force. The report also notes the facility’s reluctance to provide complete video footage of certain violent episodes.
This document is part of a broader inspection by the Office of Inspector General, which is examining around 200 ICE detention centers.
Under the Trump administration’s immigration policies, the number of detainees in ICE facilities increased significantly. These centers function as de facto prisons for those awaiting immigration hearings or facing deportation orders. Most are operated by private companies.
Recent protests outside a Newark facility, sparked by reports of hunger strikes due to poor food and inadequate medical care, have attracted attention. Last year, detainees reported being denied basic needs, such as showers and sufficient sleeping space, and not receiving essential medications for chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.