ICE detention Conditions Questioned as Couple Flees to Croatia
SAN DIEGO, CA – A couple who recently left U.S. immigration custody is relocating to Croatia, citing dehumanizing conditions within detention facilities and a growing fear for the future of the United States. Nick, who asked to be identified only by his first name, and his wife, Ana, shared accounts of their five-week detention, alleging inadequate food and a lack of basic respect from officials. Their experience adds to mounting concerns about the treatment of immigrants in U.S. custody, particularly as detention numbers rise.
The couple’s ordeal began after consistently attending all scheduled immigration hearings and appointments. ”They don’t look at you like you’re human,” Ana said, describing the atmosphere within the detention center. Nick detailed the food as largely “unrecognizable,” with meat - a single piece of chicken – provided only once during their confinement.
These claims were disputed by ICE spokesperson Gustin, who stated, “Our menus consistently feature a variety of protein options standard for foodservice operations, including chicken and beef patties, turkey options, and other USDA-approved items. These meals are served regularly throughout each week.”
upon their release, Nick’s suit was returned to him in a destroyed condition. The couple is now preparing to leave the country, with Ana currently wearing an ankle monitor, a replacement for a previously issued tracking watch.
Nick,who emigrated from a country he says “fell apart as of those same cracks” currently appearing in the U.S., expressed concern that the Trump administration’s stated focus on deporting individuals with criminal records is misleading. He believes ICE is increasingly targeting those who are compliant with the legal process.
Data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse supports this assertion, revealing that nearly 74 percent of people currently in immigration custody have no criminal convictions.
“If they think they won by chasing out people like me, then God help them,” Nick said.
In Other News:
* Building materials: Rubble from the former Terminal 1 at the San diego airport is being repurposed for the construction of the new Otay Mesa border crossing, as reported by Alexandra Mendoza for The San Diego Union-Tribune.
* Pets left behind: San Diego animal shelters are seeing an increase in surrendered pets belonging to individuals who have been deported, according to a report by Gustavo Solis for KPBS.
