Court-appointed doctor finds serious healthcare gaps at California's biggest ICE jail

In a recent assessment, Dr. Muthusamy Anandkumar, appointed by a federal judge, concluded that the California City Immigration Processing Center—operated by CoreCivic despite recent federal purchase—does not consistently deliver adequate health services, putting detainees at risk. The monitor highlighted thirteen areas of shortfall, ranging from emergency response to chronic disease management, and noted that staff shortages forced under-trained employees to train newcomers.

These observations mirror a two-day review by Disability Rights California, which found missed medication deliveries and postponed surgeries. CoreCivic’s spokesperson Ryan Gustin asserted that daily physical and mental health services are provided and that external specialists are engaged when needed. Meanwhile, a lawsuit in the Northern District of California alleges detainees lack proper clothing for cold nights, wheelchair access, and timely medical care. Plaintiff Sokhean Keo warned that without reforms, sick individuals could die.