Sick Detainees Describe Poor Care at CoreCivic ICE Facilities

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by Katie Thomas, Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Melena Ryzik

February 14, 2026

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Sick Detainees Highlight Poor Care at CoreCivic ICE Facilities Recent measles outbreaks in two CoreCivic-operated detention centers in Arizona and Texas have drawn attention to long-standing issues with medical care in the facilities. These outbreaks, occurring nearly 1,000 miles apart, underscore broader concerns about the treatment of detainees in immigration centers managed by CoreCivic, a publicly traded company that has secured hundreds of millions in contracts since President Trump took office. Despite claims by CoreCivic that they provide quality medical care at facilities like the Central Arizona Florence Correctional Center and the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, reports from former detainees, lawyers, and government audits reveal a pattern of inadequate healthcare. Detainees and immigration lawyers have described systemic problems, including long waits to see medical staff, delays in receiving necessary treatments, and denial of access to specialists. For instance, injured individuals often wait weeks for X-rays, while those with diabetes struggle to obtain regular insulin. Even when detainees are able to see a doctor and receive prescriptions, they sometimes face weeks-long delays before their medications arrive. These issues raise serious concerns about the health and safety of individuals in CoreCivic facilities. Amalía, a young girl who became critically ill at one of these centers, was among those whose cases highlight the risks posed by poor medical care. Her story, along with other accounts from detainees, suggests that CoreCivic’s operations fall short of ensuring basic health and safety standards. While health officials have stated that the measles spread appears to have been contained, the broader issues of unsanitary conditions and lax medical care remain unresolved. This situation matters because it reflects systemic weaknesses in the treatment of detained individuals, raising ethical and legal questions about immigration detention practices. Poor healthcare conditions not only endanger detainees but also pose risks to public health, as seen with the measles outbreaks. Advocates argue that these issues highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in how CoreCivic manages its facilities. Addressing these problems is critical for ensuring humane treatment and preventing further harm to those in detention.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/14/2026