Uncanny Valley | WIRED The 911 Calls Inside ICE Detention Centers
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Jul 4, 2025 Dhruv Mehrotra, a Wired reporter, unveils his investigation into the alarming rise of medical emergencies in ICE detention centers. He discusses shocking findings from 911 calls, revealing the chaos and neglect that detainees face, including pregnancy complications and suicide attempts. Mehrotra sheds light on the systemic failures in healthcare delivery and explores the serious implications of overcrowding and heightened enforcement. The conversation also touches on issues of abuse, accountability, and the intersection of government surveillance with these pressing social challenges.
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911 Calls Reveal Detention Crisis
- ICE detention centers operate like black boxes with limited visibility for attorneys and advocates.
- 911 call data reveals alarming increases in serious medical emergencies inside these facilities.
Detainee's Dropped 911 Call
- A detainee at Stewart Detention Center called 911 for help but the call was abruptly dropped.
- When the dispatcher called back, a staff member dismissed the emergency and no ambulance was sent.
Overcrowding Stresses Medical Care
- ICE's detained population increased nearly 50%, stretching medical resources past limits.
- The administration targets virtually anyone, not just violent offenders, in civil detention, worsening overcrowding problems.