Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today regarding his support for a bill that would provide stronger federal oversight for immigration detention centers nationwide. The Accountability in Immigration Detention Act would improve conditions in detention centers such as the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, where detainees recently protested conditions with a two-month hunger strike.

“In this country made up of immigrants, we must do better in our treatment of those who have come here looking for opportunities like a good education and work. Detention centers should be accountable for treating immigrants fairly and humanely, a goal accomplished by this bill.

“The bill includes a transparent and inclusive process to develop new rules. This means stakeholders from all levels of government, nonprofits, and other expert groups will be able to participate. Such a diverse array of perspectives will help ensure comprehensive, enforceable standards that result in better conditions for immigrants in detention centers.

“Improved standards under this bill would also make sure detained immigrants have access to legal resources and several other protections such as limited solitary confinement, right to recreation and better medical care,” Larsen said.

Larsen is an original cosponsor of the bill, introduced by Rep. Adam Smith, WA-09.

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