Attorneys have filed an emergency motion arguing that two men detained at California City Detention Facility face a critical health crisis, with one potentially facing “imminent death.” The motion, filed late Tuesday, requests a federal judge order Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide immediate, specialized medical care to Yuri Alexander Roque Campos and Fernando Viera Reyes.
Concerns Over Medical Care
Roque Campos and Viera Reyes are plaintiffs in a federal class action lawsuit alleging “inhumane” and “punitive” conditions at the facility, located in the Mojave Desert. According to the motion, both men are experiencing “acute medical distress” and require urgent attention. Attorneys state that Roque Campos’s risk of severe illness is “real and rising,” and could result in death.
U.S. District Judge Maxine M. Chesney has given the government until 4 p.m. on Monday to respond to the motion or file an opposition. A hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday in San Francisco, if necessary. The class action lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, alleges “decrepit” conditions within the detention center.
Underlying Lawsuit and Facility Concerns
Roque Campos and Viera Reyes are among seven plaintiffs who previously sued the Trump administration over conditions at the facility, citing inadequate food, water, and medical care. The lawsuit also points to safety concerns, noting the facility failed a fire inspection in July, with the city manager warning that the building’s construction interferes with radio signal transmission.
Attorneys argue that medical staff at the facility are “unable or unwilling” to provide necessary care. Dr. Todd Wilcox, a medical expert, concluded that Roque Campos, 30, has a serious heart condition and is at “significant risk for sudden cardiac death.” Wilcox also stated that Viera Reyes, 50, has a “high probability of having prostate cancer” and requires immediate treatment.
According to a statement, Roque Campos expressed fear for his life, stating, “I am very scared about what will happen to me if I cannot get the medical care that I need while I am locked up at California City…I am afraid that I might die here.”
Possible Next Steps
If the government does not address the concerns raised in the emergency motion, Judge Chesney could issue a temporary restraining order mandating immediate medical care for Roque Campos and Viera Reyes. A hearing on a preliminary injunction, filed December 1, is already scheduled for January 30. It is possible the judge could consolidate these issues. A full resolution of the class action lawsuit, addressing the broader conditions at the facility, could take considerable time. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific conditions are alleged in the class action lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleges “inhumane” and “punitive” conditions at the California City Detention Facility, including inadequate food, water, and medical care, as well as “decrepit” conditions within the facility.
Who is responsible for operating the California City Detention Facility?
CoreCivic operates the facility, and the company states that the “safety, health and well-being” of those in their care is their “top priority.” They also claim to adhere to federal detention standards and undergo regular audits.
What prompted the filing of this emergency motion?
Attorneys filed the motion because they believe Roque Campos and Viera Reyes’ medical conditions have deteriorated and cannot wait for the full briefing process on the preliminary injunction motion. They felt immediate court intervention was necessary.
What role does the availability of adequate medical care play in the well-being of individuals held in immigration detention?
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