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Emigration and immigration

ICE Detainees Allege Inhumane Conditions in Baltimore

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Detainees held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Baltimore face unacceptable conditions, including inadequate access to food and water, medicine, sleep, hygiene, and legal counsel, according to a proposed class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit also alleges that detainees are being held for extended periods in cramped and unsanitary conditions, with some being held for more than a week. The Maryland Attorney General's office has supported the claim, stating that the conditions violate state safety standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed class-action lawsuit alleges that ICE detainees in Baltimore face inhumane conditions, including inadequate access to food and water, medicine, sleep, hygiene, and legal counsel.
  • Detainees are being held in cramped conditions, with up to 20 men being detained in a single cell measuring 12 feet by 12 feet, with one toilet lacking privacy.
  • Detainees have been held for extended periods, with some being held for more than a week, despite ICE policy prohibiting detention for more than 12 hours.
  • The plaintiffs filed a motion for a temporary restraining order on June 12, and the Maryland Attorney General's office filed an amicus brief on June 18 arguing that the conditions violate state safety standards.
  • The lawsuit alleges violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Due Process Clause, and seeks class-action status for detained immigrants.
  • Detainees have reported experiencing significant stress and anxiety due to the inhumane conditions, with one detainee reportedly pulling her hair out and banging her head on the concrete wall.
  • The plaintiffs are represented by the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights and the National Immigration Project, both based in Washington, D.C.

Statistics:

  • Up to 20 men are being detained in a single cell measuring 12 feet by 12 feet.
  • The hold rooms have only one phone, and detainees are required to provide credit card information to use it, limiting access to lawyers.
  • At least one detainee has been held for more than 24 hours without access to medication.
  • At least one detainee has been held for more than five days without access to her medication.
  • 12 hours is the maximum time ICE policy allows detention in "hold rooms," but some detainees have been held for longer than a week.

Sources:

  • [The Daily Record, "Lawsuit seeks class-action status for detained immigrants"] https://www.thedailyrecord.com/business/2025/06/22/2025-06-22-TDR-plaintiffs-seek-class-action-for-detained-immigrants/
  • [Complaint in B&Burgos v. Polan, et al.]
  • [Maryland Attorney General's Office, "Amicus Brief in Support of Plaintiffs"]

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