KQED's The California Report Bay Area Congressman Describes "Horrific" Conditions At ICE Detention Center
Jan 14, 2026
Tyche Hendricks, a senior immigration editor at KQED, joins Congressman Ro Khanna to discuss alarming conditions at California's newest ICE detention center. Khanna reports shocking findings: detainees face rocks in their food, undrinkable water, and limited family visits. The episode highlights issues like inadequate medical care and the emotional toll on families. Hendricks provides insight into the rise in national detention numbers and Khanna's commitment to pushing for accountability and better oversight.
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Congressman's Firsthand Visit
- Ro Khanna visited California City after constituents reported mistreatment of detained relatives.
- He toured the CoreCivic facility and met 47 detainees who described very different conditions than officials claimed.
Detainees Describe Conditions
- Khanna spoke privately with 47 detained people without prison officials present.
- Detainees reported rocks in food, undrinkable water, and restricted, non-contact family visits through glass.
Alarming Medical Delays
- Khanna heard of a man with blood in his urine who waited seven days for a doctor visit.
- He saw about 40 people packed into a small clinic with only one doctor available.