Berks County Residential Center Must Ensure Families Have Adequate Access to Medical, Mental Health Care
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6) are calling on U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) to provide more information on the Berks County Residential Center. The letter follows a visit to the center, concerning reports of migrant families being denied access to medical care, mental health services, adequate sleep and information about the length of their detention while being held in the Berks facility. The letter also seeks data regarding the length of time families are detained, and clarity on the medical, mental health and other services provided to families, with an emphasis on the availability of specialized care for children.
“During our visit, we were informed that residents have access to medical services at all hours provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps. However, we have heard troubling accounts of medical care not being provided until children are very ill,” Senator Casey and Representative Houlahan wrote. “We have also heard that when residents are sent to the hospital or outside medical services and provided a prescription, those prescriptions will not be filled automatically. Rather, ICE providers will review and determine whether to provide the treatment. In addition, there have been reported instances of families being separated when a parent or child is sent to outside medical services.”
The letter urged ICE officials to address the disturbing reports and provide more information about the treatment of residents at the facility.
To read the letter, click here.
###
