The fundamental human right to quality medical care does not disappear when a person is detained. Yet, for many “New Americans” seeking asylum in the United States, medical neglect is a harrowing reality.
ELOIM USA is committed to challenging this injustice, especially following the trauma experienced by our founder, Tendo Steven, during his own detention, where his diabetes went untreated, nearly causing blindness.
The State of Detention Health
Reports from advocacy groups and legal challenges consistently highlight systemic failures within the over 200 immigration detention facilities across the US, many operated by private companies:
- Medical Neglect: Detainees report delays in emergency care, failure to provide essential medications (like insulin), and inadequate treatment for chronic and mental health conditions.
- Lack of Due Process: Without an appointed attorney, detainees are often unable to properly advocate for their own health needs.
ELOIM’s Role as Policy Experts and Advocates
Our work is two-fold: on-the-ground support and policy intervention.
- Grassroots Monitoring: We work with partners at the Southern Border to monitor conditions and identify individuals facing immediate medical crises.
- Systemic Advocacy: We challenge the systems that profit from inhumane incarceration. By holding powerful entities accountable, we push for policies that enforce rigorous health standards and ensure due process is upheld for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
We stand with the detained to affirm their dignity and demand that human rights standards be met within the US immigration system.
