News Summary

Burlington officials are investigating alarming allegations of inhumane conditions at the local ICE facility, where detainees have reported severe treatment. Concerns raised by a detained teenager suggest violations of both health codes and community values, prompting calls for accountability and potential legal action against the facility. Local lawmakers have described the conditions as completely inappropriate and are advocating for the humane treatment of all individuals detained.

Burlington, Massachusetts – Burlington town officials are currently investigating allegations of inhumane conditions at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility that has deviated from its intended purpose as a short-term processing center. Recent claims from a detained teenager highlight concerns over the treatment individuals experience, leading local officials to scrutinize the operations of the facility.

Mike Espejo, chairman of the Burlington Select Board, has expressed profound concern over the fair and humane treatment of detainees following the case of Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a teen from Milford, Massachusetts. Gomes da Silva was held at the Burlington ICE office for six nights, during which he reported experiencing severe conditions, including sleeping on concrete floors and having to use the bathroom in an open area.

Burlington officials state that they were unaware of the alleged conditions prior to Gomes da Silva’s case and are now actively gathering comprehensive information regarding the facility’s operational practices. They are particularly focused on potential violations of local zoning laws that may be associated with the facility’s operation, including zoning enforcement and breaches of health codes.

When the facility opened in 2008, residents were assured that individuals would not be housed overnight. In response to the allegations, ICE acknowledged that there may be rare instances where detainees exceed the normal processing duration at the Burlington office. However, they assert that detainees have access to sufficient food, regular phone services, showers, legal representation, and necessary medical care. Gomes da Silva’s claims contradict this assertion, stating he had not showered for six days and received inadequate meals during his detention.

Burlington officials feel misled about the facility’s intended purpose, believing it primarily served for administrative processing rather than long-term detention. Various Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Seth Moulton and Jake Auchincloss, have visited the facility and described the conditions as “completely inappropriate” and “inhumane” for extended stays, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Immigration attorney Robin Nice, representing Gomes da Silva, critiqued the facility’s conditions, claiming they are unprecedentedly poor and overcrowded. Reports indicated fluctuating detention numbers, with as many as 25-35 individuals held in cramped conditions during Gomes da Silva’s stay. Nice also highlighted the challenges faced in contacting clients within the facility, noting overcrowded conditions and inadequate medical assistance available to detainees.

Additionally, accounts from detainees revealed a lack of adequate personal hygiene products, particularly affecting women, leading to embarrassing situations. Vaughan Espejo stated that while local officials are committed to ensuring humane treatment, enforcement options are complicated due to federal jurisdiction over ICE facilities.

Amidst these alarming revelations, Burlington officials are seeking legal counsel to evaluate potential actions against the facility regarding possible zoning violations. The Burlington Select Board has initiated inquiries to determine whether the current functioning of the facility violates directives established when it was first opened.

Concerned residents have voiced their disquiet over the facility’s operations, questioning the alignment of its practices with community values and the ethical treatment of individuals. Local officials are advocating for accountability from ICE regarding the conditions and treatment of detainees housed at the Burlington office, signaling a commitment to address the matter and ensure the humane treatment of all individuals.