Rep. Juan Vargas’ Statement on ICE Nurse Whistleblower Complaint
Washington, D.C. (September 17, 2020) – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after a nurse, employed at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, filed a whistleblower complaint stating that immigrant women in ICE custody were coerced into undergoing medical procedures, including hysterectomies.
"I'm appalled with the horrific accusations of human rights violations of women in ICE custody. This behavior is a dark reminder of our country's history of forced sterilization of immigrants and people of color—we will not stand for this. If the allegations are true, the Trump administration must be held accountable.
"I joined over 170 members of Congress in a letter led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) demanding an immediate investigation into the whistleblower’s horrifying account of immigrants in ICE custody being coerced into medical procedures, including hysterectomies.
"I also joined my Congressional Hispanic Caucus colleagues in a letter led by Reps. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Veronica Escobar (TX-16) demanding that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) investigate this whistleblower complaint immediately.
"My colleagues and I demand answers. In the past couple of months, we have seen several complaints and reports on ICE's failure to properly care for detainees in their facilities. DHS and ICE are responsible for properly overseeing the health and medical needs of all detainees in their custody."
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County, and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fourth term in Congress.