CA senators Padilla and Schiff to tour Cal City ICE detention center in oversight visit

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — California U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (D), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, will be conducting an oversight visit to the largest detention center in California City.

According to the release, the visit is for the senators to “learn firsthand of the concerns surrounding the condition of detained individuals at this facility amid the Trump Administration’s mass detention and deportation campaign.”

California City Immigration Processing Center

According to a release, it said immigrants detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has swelled to over 70,000.

SEE ALSO: AG Bonta urges DHS to address unsafe conditions at Cal City ICE facility, DHS responds

The visit comes as California Attorney General Rob Bonta sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security last month, aiming to shed light on what he says are dangerous conditions at the California City Detention Facility. At that time, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin sent Eyewitness News a statement that said in part:

Another day and another hoax about ICE facilities. Nearly every single day, we respond to media about FALSE allegations about ICE facilities. ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens. All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members. It is a longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody. This includes medical, dental, and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility, a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. This is the best healthcare that many aliens have received in their entire lives. Meals are certified by dietitians. Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE.

Detainees have the opportunity to speak to lawyers and family members. They have clean living spaces.

This is a developing story.