Senate Report Reveals Widespread Abuse of Pregnant Women and Children in Migrant Detention Centers

A new Senate report has identified 510 credible allegations of human rights abuses in U.S. immigration detention centers across the country, including 14 specific cases involving the mistreatment of pregnant women.

The investigation, led by Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, cites inadequate medical care, delayed treatment, poor nutrition, and unsanitary living conditions among the most serious concerns.

The report, titled "The Abuse of Pregnant Women & Children in U.S. Immigration Detention" documents cases of pregnant women being denied urgent care, sleeping on floors in overcrowded cells, and not receiving adequate meals or snacks.

In one case, a woman was reportedly left to miscarry alone in a hospital room for over 24 hours without water or medical assistance after staff at the detention facility delayed responding to days of heavy bleeding. According to the report, her partner contacted the senator's office after two days of no communication. The woman later described the detention conditions as "horrific," citing overcrowding, limited access to medical care, and abusive treatment by guards.

An anonymous Department of Homeland Security official reported witnessing pregnant women sleeping on the floor in intake cells. Another pregnant detainee told Representative Ayanna Pressley that she "nearly miscarried twice" while in custody. Emergency call records from multiple detention centers further corroborate reports of serious pregnancy complications.

When asked for comment, DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told NBC News that "any claim that there are subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are false," and asserted that all detainees receive medical, dental, and mental health screenings as well as 24-hour emergency care.

In addition to the treatment of pregnant women, the report also details 18 cases of mistreatment of children and 41 cases of physical or sexual abuse. The investigation included interviews with correctional officers, healthcare workers, attorneys, and 46 detainees and family members, as well as reviews of public documents and inspections at facilities in Texas and Georgia.

Senator Ossoff told NBC News that "regardless of our views on immigration policy, the American people do not support the abuse of detainees and prisoners," adding that "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."