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Medical Processes and Communication Protocols Need
Improvement at Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC)

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Why We Inspected

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DHS OIG received complaints concerning medical care, response to COVID-19 protocols
and specific allegations about detainees referred for gynecological procedures at ICDC.

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We referred the specific allegations to our Office of Investigations.

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We also initiated an inspection to determine whether ICDC provided
detainees adequate medical care and adhered to COVID-19 protections.

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Recently, as a result of this inspection, we initiated, for the first time, a systemic audit
of how surgical procedures are authorized and approved across all ICE detention facilities.

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What We Found

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While ICDC generally met ICE detention standards, we found the facility’s chronic
care, continuity of care, and medical policies and practices to be inadequate.

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Our contract medical team identified additional concerns in seven other areas: health assessments, medication
administration, sick call, health records, program administration, emergency care, and women’s health.

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ICDC and ICE management also did not adequately or consistently keep facility
employees, ICE staff, and detainees informed of COVID-19 protocols and guidance.

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We found detainees were not receiving results of their COVID-19 testing and
some feared reporting COVID-19 symptoms lest they be placed in segregation.

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Quote from Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General

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“Our continued use of unannounced inspections and targeted evaluations of ICE detention facilities, such as ICDC, ensures the health and safety
of detainees, staff and the public. As a result of this inspection, we initiated a systemic review of ICE’s surgical approval procedures.”

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To view the full report as well as our
recommendations to ICE, visit our website: oig.dhs.gov