A court-appointed monitor has determined that California's largest immigration detention center, the California City facility, is failing to comply with a federal judge's orders to provide adequate healthcare. The report, filed on Monday by Dr. Muthusamy Anandkumar, found the facility out of compliance in all eight areas identified by U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney in February 2026.
Systemic Failures in Medical Care
The monitor's investigation revealed significant gaps in emergency care, delayed medication administration, inadequate health screenings, and a lack of accommodations for people with disabilities. According to the report, the facility lacks a reliable system to consistently provide adequate health care, placing individuals at serious risk of both immediate and long-term harm. This is the first court-ordered investigation of the full scope of medical care at any ICE facility in the United States, according to lawyers for the detained immigrants.
Dr. Anandkumar noted that the failings are structural, indicating broader problems in the facility's health care delivery system rather than occasional lapses in care. The case originated from a class-action lawsuit filed in November 2025, alleging life-threatening healthcare issues, including denial of cancer treatment, insulin for diabetes, and basic disability accommodations.
Staffing Shortages and Training Deficiencies
The monitor's report, based on a review of 141 medical records, a three-day site visit in May, and interviews with 40 patients and staff, highlighted severe staff shortages. Some clinical staff were moved to duties before completing orientation, and untrained personnel were tasked with training others. Comprehensive intake screenings were lacking, potentially missing urgent or serious conditions. Physical exams and record-keeping were inadequate, with doctors often writing 'WNL' (within normal limits) instead of documenting specific findings.
Patients reported specific problems, but no examination was documented for the relevant body parts. The referral process to specialists was disorganized, with patients waiting past deadlines or being denied referrals without documented reasons. Patients with serious psychiatric needs requiring inpatient treatment were left to deteriorate until hospitalization, only to return to detention with little improvement.
Disability and Medication Issues
A patient using a wheelchair reported injuries during transport to outside facilities on two occasions, and another with a disability was left in a shower area for an extended period without escort. People with disabilities relied on roommates instead of trained staff for basic activities. Patients with chronic diseases lacked consistent access to medications, with some reporting they had to stay up until 2am to receive medications scheduled for 7pm. The monitor observed loose pills on the floor in a medication room, indicating poor handling and disposal practices.
Responses from Authorities and CoreCivic
A DHS spokesperson did not respond to questions but maintained that the agency provides comprehensive medical care. CoreCivic, the private prison operator, said it was reviewing the report. Ryan Gustin, a CoreCivic spokesperson, stated that nothing matters more than the health and safety of those in their care, and that an on-site ICE officer monitors compliance with standards. He noted that detainees have access to screenings, prevention, chronic care management, and behavioral healthcare, and that staff coordinate with outside providers for specialty care, though scheduling is not controlled by the facility.
Tess Borden, managing attorney at the Prison Law Office representing the detained plaintiffs, said the monitor's findings tell a nightmarish story of psychiatric patients left without follow-up, improperly stored medication and culture specimens, and missed or unscheduled specialist appointments. She added that the report confirms what thousands have experienced firsthand: in every area of health care, California City is failing.
