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http://www.kgbt4.com/global/story.asp?s=6876377&ClientType=Printable
*Detention Center Food Problems*
Aug 2, 2007 09:58 AM
Allegations of spoiled food and air conditioning problems, and no, we're not
talking about Food 4 Thought.
This story involving some detainees and security guards at the Willacy
County detention center who are speaking out about life for two-thousand
immigrants.
We have obtained internal documentation from the Willacy detention center
where not only detainees complain about the conditions inside, but also
security guards have recorded in their logbooks dozens of undocumented
immigrants that have found maggots in their food.
The federal detention center located in Raymondville which houses
two-thousand undocumented immigrants has received criticism for allegedly
feeding detainees contaminated or rotten food.
An action 4 News investigation reveals that in one instance, over 30
detainees reported that the quantity and quality of food are deplorable, an
allegation confirmed by at least two security guards.
One of those anonymous guards says: "the reason it gets contaminated it's
because of the storage facility, they don't have the storage facility. They
were trying to blame the companies that supposedly the food is coming in
spoiled which is not true."
Detainees say they don't have toiletries to keep their most basic sanitary
needs, that they have problems communicating with the outside world,
nevertheless finding an attorney or any kind of legal assistance.
Anthony Matulewicz is an immigration attorney in south Texas and tells
action 4 news he's seen what those immigrants go through. "things in Willacy
was so bad that I actually saw first hand people eating with their hands"
Sais Matulewicz.
Security guards have also recorded that 50 detainees complained because they
found maggots in their food, and refused to eat. The situation was so bad
for an immigrant that he attempted to commit suicide.
"He was being moved from one dorm to another because we were having a lot of
problems with him. The detainee was depressed, he was hungry and he was not
getting enough" said a Willacy detention center security guard. "so he was
stealing from the other detainees on the commissary, you know Fritos, candy,
whatever they get with their own money".
Another detainee reported he lost $99-dollars when he was transferred from
del Rio to Laredo,, he says his wife is eagerly awaiting to hear from his my
new not so fondly found 'prison' life".
Security guards say they can not believe what they see, they make reports
and advice superiors but the situation is the same. Detainees are desperate
and things may get out of hand.
"My concern is that one of these officers one of these days is going to get
hurt or one of these officers is going to hurt a detainee" emphasized the
security guard.
Inside the windowless, dome-shaped tents, they have bunk beds and communal
showers.
But immigration and customs enforcement officials tell Action 4 News, "we
try to maintain the dignity and respect within each person, so the only way
we can do that is have a set guideline to follow".
But according to security guards two ladies fainted because of air
conditioning problems last week, a problem frequently experience during the
summer and winter time.
Allegations range from giving rotten food to detainees, problems with air
conditioning and heating, and immigrants attempting suicide due to what they
call inhumane treatment
Immigration and customs enforcement also tells Action 4 News they will look
into each allegation and get back with us.
Immigration officials insist those held at the facility are "detainees" and
not prisoners.
