Democrats Press DHS After 500 Abuse Reports at ICE Facilities

Democratic lawmakers intensified calls for stronger oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a spate of new allegations of mistreatment in detention facilities. Rep. Sylvia Garcia said she is working with the Democratic Women’s Caucus on measures that would require ICE officers to display identification, arguing that the change would protect women from predators posing as federal agents. Separately, Rep. Dan Goldman cited more than 500 credible reports of abuse lodged since January 2025—including sexual assault, miscarriages and child neglect—as evidence that the Department of Homeland Security has failed to police its own agency. Republicans, he added, are resisting efforts to broaden congressional scrutiny of ICE operations. Rep. Ami Bera joined the criticism, urging an immediate inspection of the Moss Federal Building in California after reports that detainees there lack safe sleeping space, adequate food and water, sanitation and ventilation. The lawmakers said they will press DHS for full transparency on detention conditions and push legislation aimed at mandatory identification, facility inspections and public reporting.