Detainees in at least 33 states have filed court documents alleging inadequate medical care in ICE custody, according to Associated Press reporting published in 2024.
ICE held an average of roughly 37,000 people per day in fiscal year 2024, across a network of about 130 facilities run by federal, state, local, and private operators.
ICE's Performance-Based National Detention Standards govern medical care in most facilities, but compliance is monitored internally by DHS and is not directly enforceable by detainees in court.
The DHS Office of Inspector General has issued multiple reports since 2018 citing deficiencies in detainee medical care, including delayed treatment and staffing shortages.
Supporters of stricter federal standards cite documented in-custody deaths and untreated conditions; opponents argue additional mandates would raise costs and that existing standards already match or exceed those in many local jails.