Georgia Senator Reports Hundreds of Human Rights Abuses To Migrants Under ICE Detention

Hundreds of human rights abuses have taken place in immigration detention centers across the country this year under the Trump administration, a new report from the office of Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) revealed.

Concretely, the report documented "510 credible reports of human rights" against people under the custody of Immigration and Customs Services (ICE).

"Through interviews, analysis of public reports, and site inspections, the Senator's staff has received or identified 41 credible reports of physical and sexual abuse, 14 credible reports of mistreatment of pregnant women, and 18 credible reports of mistreatment of children in immigration detention," the document adds.

Among the abuses, the new report highlights cases of pregnant women sleeping on floors in overcrowded intake cells. In one instance, a pregnant woman described repeatedly requesting medical attention and being told to "just drink water" instead of getting a checkup. In another, the partner of a pregnant woman in custody said she bled for days before being taken to a hospital.

"Once she was there, she was reportedly left in a room, alone, to miscarry without water or medical assistance, for over 24 hours," the report states.

Attorneys have also highlighted their own clients' experiences under ICE custody, the investigation says.

"Regardless of our views on immigration policy, the American people do not support the abuse of detainees and prisoners... It's more important than ever to shine a light on what's happening behind bars and barbed wire, especially and most shockingly to children," Ossoff told NBC News in a statement about the investigation.

Among the cases of physical abuse, the report also details a case of a man who was "slammed against the ground, handcuffed, and taken outside... for stepping out of line in the dining hall."

Ossoff's office interviewed dozens of people including correctional workers, law enforcement officials, attorneys, doctors and nurses, as well as 46 immigration detainees and their families. Cases were also identified through a review of public reports and court records, as well as inspections of six immigration facilities in Texas and Georgia.

Nevertheless, the Department of Homeland Security claims the alleged abuses are false.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in an email to NBC News, "any claim that there are subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are false."

According to her, all detainees who are in ICE custody are provided with "proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members." She states that from the moment they arrive at an ICE detention facility, detainees undergo medical, dental and mental health intake screenings, as well as follow-up health assessments and have access to 24-hour emergency cases, despite countless reports stating otherwise.