Ousmane Ba, a 33-year-old man from Senegal, died in February after being hospitalized for nearly a month while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody at the Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana. The facility has a history of complaints regarding inadequate medical care, poor living conditions, and mistreatment of detainees. Immigrant rights advocates have called for an end to the contract with the center, citing ongoing health risks for those detained there. Despite calls for closure, ICE has stated its intention to extend the contract, citing the need for detention space.
Ba’s health deteriorated significantly during his time in ICE custody, with symptoms including vomiting and bleeding from the nose and mouth. Despite frequent complaints and medical attention, he tragically passed away at a hospital. Similar incidents have raised concerns among advocates who have been advocating for better conditions and medical care. The coalition is pushing for the release of all detainees at Winn and cessation of the contract with the troubled facility.
The Winn Correctional Center has faced numerous reports of abuse, inadequate medical treatment, and unsanitary conditions. Despite recommendations for closure due to health and safety concerns, the facility’s population has continued to grow. Recent inspections have found multiple deficiencies, with concerns about the heating and cooling system and structural issues. The facility’s overall compliance has been on the decline, raising alarm among advocacy groups and lawmakers.
Advocates have highlighted the significant risks faced by detainees at the Winn facility, with Ba’s death and ongoing health issues casting a shadow over the center. Efforts to secure the release of detainees like Jose Lara Castellanos, a migrant from Honduras experiencing serious health issues, have faced resistance from ICE. Despite calls for his release due to urgent medical needs, Lara Castellanos has been denied freedom and faced high bond charges, raising concerns about his safety while in custody.
The case of Ba and ongoing issues at the Winn facility have sparked renewed calls for better medical treatment and conditions at ICE detention centers. Advocates are urging the federal government to prioritize the health and safety of detainees, particularly those experiencing critical health issues. With concerns about potential preventable deaths and ongoing health risks at facilities like Winn, the push for better oversight and accountability continues to gain momentum among advocacy groups and lawmakers.
