New Horrific Report Reveals Abuse of Pregnant Women and Children in US ICE Detention Centers

Hundreds of human rights abuses have been uncovered in U.S. ICE detention centers, and some of the most devastating involve the mistreatment of pregnant women and children. The report comes from the office of Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, whose team is conducting an active investigation into human rights abuses in ICE facilities and has already found 510 credible reports of human rights violations since January 2025.   

ICE’s Treatment of Pregnant Women

The Senator’s staff identified at least 41 cases of physical and/or sexual abuse of detainees and at least 14 credible reports of pregnant women suffering mistreatment while detained. Testimonies describe a pattern of denied medical care, canceled appointments, and even outright dismissal of urgent needs. 

In some facilities, overcrowding has forced pregnant women to sleep on concrete floors. One woman reportedly bled for days before being taken to a hospital, only to be left unattended for more than 24 hours while she miscarried—without water, assistance, or compassion. Another detainee reported she “nearly miscarried twice” while in ICE custody. Others described being told to “just drink water” when they sought medical care. Attorneys representing pregnant detainees have confirmed these accounts, saying that their clients often waited weeks to see a doctor, if they were ever seen at all.

Emergency call records reviewed by investigators also corroborate the severity of these cases, documenting multiple pregnancy complications inside detention facilities.

ICE’s Treatment of Sick Children

Equally disturbing are the accounts involving children, including U.S. citizens. The Senator’s staff documented 18 credible reports of mistreatment of minors in ICE and CBP custody.

One attorney shared the case of a U.S. citizen child with severe medical issues who was hospitalized three times while in custody with her mother. When the child began vomiting blood, her mother pleaded for medical help. A CBP guard allegedly responded with: “Just give the girl a cracker.”

Other children have faced life-threatening neglect. A 10-year-old U.S. citizen recovering from brain surgery was detained with her family and denied necessary follow-up care, leading to ongoing brain swelling and serious developmental complications. In another case, a four-year-old undergoing treatment for metastatic cancer was reportedly deported without being allowed to consult a doctor.

A Pattern of Systemic Abuse Towards Women & Children

Senator Ossoff has pledged to continue pressing for accountability as the

investigation unfolds. In a statement his office issued about the investigation, he said, “Regardless of our views on immigration policy, the American people do not support the abuse of detainees and prisoners … it’s more important than ever to shine a light on what’s happening behind bars and barbed wire, especially and most shockingly to children.”