Violations of ICE Detention Standards at Torrance County Detention Facility

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Date Issued

Friday, September 30, 2022

Submitting OIG

Department of Homeland Security OIG

Other Participating OIGs

Department of Homeland Security OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Department of Homeland Security

Components

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Report Number

OIG-22-75

Report Description

During our unannounced inspection of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Torrance County Detention Facility (Torrance) in Estancia, NM, we found that Torrance complied with ICE detention standards for detainee grievances and the voluntary work program. We could not assess compliance with segregation standards because no detainees were in segregation at, or near, the time of our visit.

Report Type

Inspection / Evaluation

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Open Recommendations

This report has 9 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	No	$0	$0
Take the necessary and progressive steps needed to hold the contractor accountable for obtaining a staffing level of at least 85 percent of the contractually obligated amount, including the medical department.
4	No	$0	$0
Ensure each detainee receives both an intake dental screening as well as an initial dental screening.
5	No	$0	$0
Evaluate and amend the dental referral process to ensure a timely response for dental pain cases, including timely evaluation of quarantined patients by dentists.
7	No	$0	$0
Ensure required documentation is promptly added to detainee medical files and that the documentation includes: notes from intake dental screening and follow-up dental evaluation(s);records of medication administration; and • lab test results.
8	No	$0	$0
Ensure cabinets with controlled substances are locked when not in use and that only personnel needing access to the controlled substances have access.
9	No	$0	$0
Ensure our other medical observations are addressed, including that: • detainees have access to water and restrooms while they are in the medical waiting area; • appropriate testing is provided for all asthma patients; • medical evaluations match complaints submitted by detainees; • appropriate medication is provided to detainees with high cholesterol; and • expired medication is disposed of according to the disposition schedule and in a timely manner.
11	No	$0	$0
Update classification procedures to require an ICE Custody Classification Worksheet be completed and added to each detainee’s file at admission.
12	No	$0	$0
Provide timely responses to detainee requests and keep a log of detainee requests submitted via paper forms.
13	No	$0	$0
Allow detainees access to legal calls as required.