A National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) study regarding the experiences of Filipinos detained in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities reported implementing widespread and deliberate medical neglect.
According to the report, the facilities are extremely congested and have almost no ventilation. Contagious diseases such as tuberculosis easily proliferate. Seven cases of possible tuberculosis were reported at Tacoma Detention Center which detain many Filipino migrants.
The report also stated that medical assistance for the ailing is limited and delayed. A health compromised person can soonest see a nurse the following day and even longer a doctor. A patient is brought to the hospital only when his condition has become very severe.
Numerous are reports of the facility providing unacceptable and health-jeopardizing food, including beans with worms, poorly-cooked chicken, and beef that needed heating before consumption. Meal intervals are long.
The appalling conditions in the facility, animal-like treatment of detainees, abuse, food lacking in nutrition, neglect of their medical needs, separation from their families, and lack of access to mental health care have caused depression, anxiety, and trauma among the detainees.
“The continuing inaction of the governments of the Philippines and the US shows their indifference to their own citizens. These conditions are clear violations of human rights and a risk to public health,” NAFCON explained.
“The Philippine consulates and embassies must urgently conduct regular visits to ICE facilities, ensure medical and mental health care for Filipino migrants, provide food and safe drinking water, and financial and legal support,” the group added.
“We call for justice for all detainees, for their health, well-being, and for their families and communities,” the group stated.
This investigation was launched by the Filipino Community Health Board, NAFCON, Tanggol Migrante Movement, and Filipino students and professionals in medical and public health fields.
