Detainees at the Adams County detention center in Mississippi, a private ICE facility run by CoreCivic, were sickened by a gas leak and then denied medical care, according to allegations reported by the Guardian. The facility also lost air conditioning for two days this week during extreme heat, forcing detainees to endure near-100°F temperatures without shade.
Gas Leak and Power Outage Reported
The gas leak allegedly occurred last Saturday, prompting an evacuation into the afternoon heat for hours, per a detainee's wife who contacted the Guardian. Upon return, the smell of gas persisted, and men began experiencing headaches and symptoms of inhaled gas. They were never told the source of the leak or how it was resolved.
A power outage on Monday left the facility without air conditioning until late Wednesday, with partial electricity restored Tuesday for lighting and essential operations. During the outage, detainees were either locked in cells without meals or forced outside in blazing sun with no shade, the wife said.
Rising Tensions and Inadequate Staffing
The detainee reported rising tensions, with more arguments and physical altercations, leaving him fearful of violence that inadequate staffing could not handle. He also said authorities withheld tablet devices during the outage to prevent detainees from notifying loved ones, and threatened solitary confinement for organizing.
These allegations come amid broader scrutiny: a third death was reported at GEO Group's Delaney Hall facility in New Jersey, and an inspection of Adams County found 23 violations of use-of-force or restraint standards, downgrading its rating from superior to acceptable/adequate.
Company Denies Allegations
CoreCivic's senior director of public affairs, Ryan Gustin, denied the gas leak and AC outage claims, stating staff found no gas leaks and that generators operated as designed. He said HVAC systems never interrupted and no one was refused medical treatment, emphasizing a commitment to safe, humane care.
The Workers Circle, a Jewish social justice group, expressed alarm. Jessica Burroughs, national organizer, said, "No human being should be forced to endure the dangerous and inhumane conditions that have been reported here," and called for thorough investigation and accountability.
Broader Scrutiny and Impact
The Adams County facility holds over 2,000 detainees, with only 9% having criminal records, per Mississippi Today. CoreCivic reported a 26% revenue rise to $2.2bn in 2025, credited to government partnerships, amid ongoing criticism of conditions at its facilities nationwide.
The detainee, with an active asylum application and no criminal record, was arrested in January at a routine appointment. The allegations highlight systemic issues in ICE detention, prompting calls for urgent action.
