California City Detention Facility
California City, California · 57 well-documented stories
What stands out here
Conditions that appear in a larger share of this facility's stories than of facility stories in general. Stories run from Jun 2025 to Oct 2026.
- Medical requests ignored23% vs 15%
Requests for care, a doctor, or an emergency response were refused, delayed, or dismissed.
- Medication withheld11% vs 6%
Prescribed medication (insulin, HIV drugs, psychiatric medication, seizure drugs, chemotherapy) was taken, withheld, or not provided.
share of stories hereacross all facilities
Everything the stories describe here
- Medical requests ignored · 13 stories
Requests for care, a doctor, or an emergency response were refused, delayed, or dismissed.
- Medication withheld · 6 stories
Prescribed medication (insulin, HIV drugs, psychiatric medication, seizure drugs, chemotherapy) was taken, withheld, or not provided.
- Injury needing medical treatment · 5 stories
The person or a bystander was hurt badly enough to need medical care.
- Solitary confinement · 2 stories
Placed in isolation or segregation.
- Firearm drawn or fired · 2 stories
Agents drew or fired a gun.
- Abuse or threats by staff · 2 stories
Beatings, threats, humiliation, slurs, or theft by guards or staff.
- Extreme heat or cold · 2 stories
Held in a freezing or dangerously hot space (hieleras, no heat, no air conditioning in summer).
- Tackled, pinned, or thrown down · 1 story
The person was tackled, slammed, pinned to the ground, or thrown against a surface.
- Shackled or chained · 1 story
Shackled, chained, zip-tied for long periods, restrained during transport or medical care, or held in a restraint chair.
- Punished for complaining or organizing · 1 story
Isolation, transfer, lost privileges, or threats after the person complained, filed a grievance, spoke to media, organized, or joined a hunger strike.
- Hunger strike · 1 story
The person or a group refused food in protest.
- Food or water withheld · 1 story
The person went without food or water for an extended period, or was given spoiled or inadequate food.
- Pregnant or postpartum in custody · 1 story
The detained person was pregnant, miscarried, gave birth, or was postpartum or breastfeeding while held.
In their words
“I've been a good man, I grew up in this country, and I established my family here. I thought I was doing the correct things. It's like a nightmare, we have always been together.”
“I am very concerned I have prostate cancer and it is taking a very long time to get it diagnosed and treated,”
“She is substantially more rattled than the last time I spoke with her, given she's been pulled halfway across the state and put in a detention facility,”
Stories
ICE sweep across California's Central Valley detains multiple men over one weekICE arrested men across Chico, Madera and Chowchilla in early October, including a Mexican immigrant pulled from his home as agents also visited his daughter's school. Witnesses described quiet streets and a local youth protest afterward.“A lot of people are just too scared to show up, and you can’t blame them,” — Isaac RamirezMadera, CA · Oct 11, 2026 · The Merced Focus, Chico Sol, turlockjournal.com +1- Angel G.A.: Man held at California City detention facility without bond hearingA man held in immigration detention at the California City Detention Facility fought his confinement through a habeas petition. A federal judge ordered his immediate release, finding he was entitled to a bond hearing before being held.California City, CA · Oct 8, 2026 · CourtListener
- Bob S.C.: Asylum seeker with years of work authorization detained by ICEAn asylum seeker who has held two work permits and remained free for years after his visa expired was taken into ICE custody. A federal judge ordered his immediate release, finding he had a liberty interest in his continued freedom.California City, CA · Sep 28, 2026 · CourtListener
- Juan Carlos V.C.: Longtime Mexican resident detained by ICE in warrantless traffic stopA Mexican man who has lived in the U.S. since 1999 was arrested by ICE during a traffic stop without a warrant. A federal judge found the arrest unlawful and ordered his immediate release.California City, CA · Sep 25, 2026 · CourtListener
- Santo A.A.: Guatemalan man held by ICE without a custody hearingA Guatemalan man who has lived in the US since 2007 was taken into ICE custody during a traffic stop and held for weeks without ever getting an individualized custody hearing. A judge ordered his immediate release.California City, CA · Sep 25, 2026 · CourtListener
- Juan Carlos J.S.: Man held by ICE without bond hearing after serving DWI sentenceA man taken into ICE custody in August 2026 after finishing a sentence for drunk driving was ordered immediately released after a judge found he was denied the bond hearing due process requires.California City, CA · Sep 24, 2026 · CourtListener, Justia
- Edmin D.: Man held at California City center wins bond hearing after parole lapsedA man who had been paroled into the United States was re-detained after his parole expired in December 2023. A federal judge ruled his continued detention without a bond hearing violated due process and ordered a hearing within 14 days.California City, CA · Sep 23, 2026 · CourtListener
Iryna G.: Ukrainian barista pinned down by ICE at SFO, held seven weeksIryna Gorb, 38, a Ukrainian photographer and longtime San Francisco barista, was freed after seven weeks in detention following a viral airport arrest caught on video.“She is substantially more rattled than the last time I spoke with her, given she's been pulled halfway across the state and put in a detention facility,” — Andy EblinSan Francisco, CA · Sep 17, 2026 · The Mirror, NBC Bay Area, ABC7 News +12- Jose C.G.: Paroled man re-detained by ICE after state arrest in CaliforniaA man who was paroled into the U.S. in 2024 was later detained by immigration authorities following a state criminal arrest. A federal judge ordered the government to give him a bond hearing within 10 days or release him.California City, CA · Aug 31, 2026 · CourtListener
Masuma K.: Woman denied medications for hypertension, glaucoma in ICE custodyMasuma Khan, 64, a longtime Altadena restaurant worker, was detained during a routine check-in and went weeks without her blood pressure, thyroid and glaucoma medications while in custody.Altadena, CA · Aug 20, 2026 · LAist, Newsweek, Spectrum News 1 +5- Jenifer A.T.: Woman re-detained by ICE without hearing wins court-ordered immediate releaseA woman previously released on bond was re-detained in August 2026 and held in California without a hearing; a court ordered her immediately released under her prior conditions.California City, CA · Aug 20, 2026 · CourtListener
- Jerson A.B.: Nicaraguan man detained by ICE during stop for someone elseA Nicaraguan man was stopped and detained by immigration officers who had been looking for another person. A federal judge ordered his immediate release, finding his detention without a hearing violated due process.California City, CA · Aug 19, 2026 · CourtListener
- Chaimaa M.: Algerian asylum seeker arrested at interview, held in California City, CaliforniaAn Algerian asylum seeker with a pending asylum case was detained after a visa overstay and won a court order for a bond hearing within 14 days.California City, CA · Aug 17, 2026 · CourtListener
José P.: Watts father of autistic teen held six months by ICEJosé Padilla, a 41-year-old car wash worker and father who cared daily for his autistic teenage son, was detained for six months before being freed in August and reunited with his family at Union Station.Los Angeles, CA · Aug 4, 2026 · The Guardian, News 247 Plus, Center for Health Journalism +2- Pedro B.U.: Man re-detained by ICE without bond hearing, held weeksPreviously released on immigration parole, he was taken back into ICE custody on August 3, 2026 without any hearing. A federal judge ruled the re-detention violated due process and ordered his immediate release.California City, CA · Aug 3, 2026 · CourtListener
- Pardeep S.: Indian asylum seeker re-detained by ICE without a hearing in California CityAn Indian asylum seeker was re-detained in July 2026 after living freely following an earlier release, and held at California City Immigration Processing Center. A judge ordered him freed, finding his re-detention without a hearing unlawful.California City, CA · Jul 30, 2026 · CourtListener
Mariana: Mexican woman arrested by ICE at immigration office, held in freezing facilityMariana, a Mexican woman, was arrested at a Fresno immigration office she believed was for a legalization appointment and spent a month at California City Detention Center enduring freezing cells and inadequate medical care.Fresno, CA · Jul 30, 2026 · El País
Carlos Iván M.H.: Salvadoran father shot seven times by ICE, wounds untreatedCarlos Iván Mendoza Hernández, father of a 2-year-old girl, was shot seven times by ICE agents during a traffic stop, then held in solitary confinement with his wounds left untreated.Patterson, CA · Jul 29, 2026 · Associated Press, Los Banos Enterprise, The Fresno Bee +9- Josial J.: Man re-detained by ICE with no notice or hearingA man who had been living in the U.S. on parole since 2023 was suddenly re-detained by ICE in July 2026 with no explanation. A federal judge ordered his immediate release, finding he was never given notice or a hearing.California City, CA · Jul 15, 2026 · CourtListener
Ulises P.L.: Disabled carpenter says ICE beat him unconscious as daughter watched, then deportedUlises Peña López, a disabled Mexican carpenter and father in Sunnyvale, was beaten unconscious by ICE agents in front of his wife and daughter, shackled in the hospital, then deported to Mexico in October 2025.Sunnyvale, CA · Jul 7, 2026 · Disability Law United, Newsweek, Deer Social +3- Yeni M.A.: Woman held at California City Detention Center without a bond hearingA woman held at California City Detention Center challenged her detention over a 2014 petty theft conviction. A judge ruled she qualifies for an exception and ordered a bond hearing within seven days or her release.California City, CA · Jul 3, 2026 · CourtListener
- Clemente B.L.: Man in ICE custody at California City denied second bond hearingA man held at California City Immigration Processing Center was denied a bond hearing twice before a federal court ordered officials to hold one within two weeks or release him.California City, CA · Jun 25, 2026 · CourtListener
Belizean asylum seeker held nearly two years by ICE alleges forced laborA Belizean asylum seeker held nearly two years at a Kern County detention facility described forced labor and medical neglect, and helped free other detainees through legal filings. He now challenges the fairness of his own bond hearing.California City, CA · Jun 25, 2026 · Freedom for Immigrants, Los Angeles Times, EXA +1- Harprabhjot S.: Man held without a bond hearing at California City facilityA detainee held at California City Corrections won a court order requiring a bond hearing within ten days, or his release if none is held.California City, CA · Jun 14, 2026 · CourtListener
- Jenny B.M.: Asylum seeker arrested by ICE near her home, held at California CityAn asylum applicant with humanitarian parole since 2015 was arrested near her home and detained in California, but a court ordered her immediate release after finding she was denied proper notice.California City, CA · Jun 9, 2026 · CourtListener
Man with prostate cancer signs misses court-ordered specialist visit in ICE custodyA detained man showing signs of prostate cancer missed a court-ordered specialist appointment due to a scheduling error, and a monitor found California's largest detention facility still isn't providing adequate healthcare.CA · Jun 5, 2026 · Washington Times, The Guardian- Ever R.P.: Honduran asylum seeker who arrived alone at 17 held by ICEA Honduran man brought in as a teenager in 2021 and released to family was redetained after a driver's license stop in May 2026. A judge ordered his immediate release, barring redetention without a hearing.California City, CA · May 31, 2026 · CourtListener
Manuela H.: Colombian asylum seeker held five months by ICE over broken monitorManuela Hernandez, a Colombian asylum seeker, was held five months after her ankle monitor broke in a household accident, suffering fainting spells and an infection. She was released in May and reunited with her family.California City, CA · May 4, 2026 · Bakersfield Now, J. Gold Law
Man detained by ICE while leaving Sonoma County jail as sister waitedA man was detained while being released from Sonoma County Jail, as his sister waited for him in the lobby. He has since been transferred to a reactivated detention center in the Mojave Desert.Santa Rosa, CA · Apr 23, 2026 · Press Democrat, Sonoma Sun- Charbel K.: Man held by ICE in California City without bond hearingA man held since his April 2026 arrest on a pending criminal charge won a court order for a bond hearing before an immigration judge within 14 days, or release if none occurs.California City, CA · Apr 20, 2026 · CourtListener
- Edna M.M.: Colombian woman detained at routine ICE check-in, held in California CityA Colombian woman held at California City Detention Facility after a DUI arrest challenged her detention in court. A judge ordered a bond hearing within 14 days to assess flight risk or danger.California City, CA · Apr 15, 2026 · CourtListener
Lydia R.S.: Navy veteran's wife detained by ICE at green card interview falls illLydia Rabara Swinburne, 39, a Filipino national married to a Navy veteran, was detained at her green card interview and later suffered a medical emergency in custody after a reported medication error. A judge ordered her released in May.California City, CA · Apr 7, 2026 · Newsweek, PACER Monitor, Habeas Dockets- Antonio C.M.: Cuban man detained by ICE after 39 years out of custodyA Cuban man with a 1987 deportation order, free from custody for 39 years, was abruptly re-detained and faced possible removal to Mexico. A court ordered him released after finding no justification for holding him.California City, CA · Apr 2, 2026 · CourtListener
- Luis C.T.: Longtime resident held without a bond hearing at California City Detention FacilityA longtime U.S. resident held during removal proceedings at a California City facility was ordered released after a court found he was wrongly denied a bond hearing.California City, CA · Apr 1, 2026 · CourtListener
- Gerannys L.E.: Venezuelan asylum seeker fleeing persecution detained again after two years freeA Venezuelan asylum-seeker who had lived freely on parole for two years, working and supporting family, was re-detained after an unrelated matter was resolved without charges. A court ordered a bond hearing before any future detention.Utah · Mar 26, 2026 · CourtListener
- Pedro Luis B.M.: Man redetained by ICE without a bond hearingA man who had been living in the U.S. on humanitarian parole was taken back into immigration custody in March 2026 without any hearing. A federal judge ordered his immediate release, finding the government violated his due process rights.California City, CA · Mar 21, 2026 · CourtListener
- Juan Antonio M.G.: Man held again without a bond hearing at California City Detention FacilityJuan Antonio Maldinera Guzman, previously released on bond, was redetained in March 2026 without a hearing. A federal court ruled this violated his rights and ordered him freed from California City Detention Facility immediately.California City, CA · Mar 17, 2026 · CourtListener, PACER Monitor
- Zelin Z.: Man re-detained at mandatory ICE check-in, held at California CityA man held at California City Immigration Processing Center after a grand theft arrest that never led to formal charges was ordered released, a court ruling his re-detention violated due process.California City, CA · Mar 16, 2026 · CourtListener
- Jhon F.F.: Ecuadorian electrician seeking asylum detained by ICE after two years hereAn Ecuadorian electrician and asylum seeker who had lived in the U.S. for two years was detained by ICE in February 2026. A judge found his detention violated due process and ordered his immediate release.California City, CA · Feb 22, 2026 · CourtListener
- Rolando G.C.: Father of two U.S. citizens held two months after Florida traffic stopA Guatemalan man who has lived in the U.S. 14 years and has two citizen children was held two months after a Florida traffic stop before a court ordered his immediate release.Florida · Feb 18, 2026 · CourtListener
- Edel R.T.: Cuban asylum seeker detained by ICE at California City facilityA Cuban asylum seeker who has lived in the U.S. since 2021 was detained after a Florida arrest for disorderly intoxication and property damage. A court ordered the government to give him a bond hearing within 14 days.Lee County, FL · Feb 14, 2026 · CourtListener
Yebio K.: Intellectually disabled man with heart failure denied care at California ICE jailYebio Kifle, 48, intellectually disabled with congestive heart failure, suffered severe medical neglect at a California detention facility. A judge has now ordered ICE to provide adequate healthcare there.California City, CA · Feb 11, 2026 · The Guardian, KQED, Los Angeles Times +2- Asylum seeker with work permit held by ICE for monthsA Guatemalan asylum seeker with a valid work permit through 2028 was detained for months before a judge ordered his immediate release, ruling he had a protected right to stay free.California City, CA · Feb 9, 2026 · CourtListener
Fernando V.R.: Detainee with suspected prostate cancer denied specialist care at ICE facilityFernando Viera Reyes, 50, showed signs of prostate cancer with PSA levels rising from 6.3 to 74 but was given only Flomax and vitamin C. He joined a class-action lawsuit over medical neglect at the CoreCivic facility.California City, CA · Feb 6, 2026 · ACLU of Indiana, KQED, Modesto Bee +5
Man with brain tumor denied seizure medication for hours in ICE detentionA 44-year-old Mexican man with a brain tumor was arrested near his Long Branch, New Jersey home days before starting chemotherapy. A guard was over five hours late giving him seizure medication, triggering a severe seizure.California City, CA · Jan 19, 2026 · NPR, Disability Rights California- Alain A.G.: Cuban man detained by ICE after traffic violation arrest in FloridaA Cuban man who entered legally in January 2025 was detained after a traffic stop in Miami-Dade and sent to a California City detention facility. A court ordered the government to give him a bond hearing within 14 days.Miami, FL · Jan 6, 2026 · CourtListener
- Songying C.: Man under supervision since 2023 detained by ICE at scheduled appointmentA man who was ordered removed after being re-detained at a scheduled immigration appointment, despite having been previously released, was ordered freed after a court found his re-detention without notice violated due process.California City, CA · Dec 15, 2025 · CourtListener
- Yuri R.C.: Man denied heart medication in ICE detention rushed to ER twiceYuri Alexander Roque Campos, 30, with a life-threatening heart condition, was denied medication after a transfer and suffered a "pre-heart attack," landing in the ER twice within two days. He went over a month without seeing a doctor.California City, CA · Nov 12, 2025 · ACLU, Modesto Bee, The New Yorker +3
Sokhean K.: Detainee witnesses suicide attempt, denied mental health servicesSokhean Keo, held at California City Detention Facility, witnessed another detainee's suicide attempt but was denied mental health care and instead disciplined. He joined a lawsuit over conditions at the CoreCivic-run facility.California City, CA · Nov 12, 2025 · ACLU, Modesto Bee- Man held at California City Processing CenterA man held at the California City Processing Center has asked a court to order his release. A judge has barred deportation while the case is pending.California City, CA · Nov 3, 2025 · CourtListener
- Leticia N.: Mother in U.S. 35 years held by ICE at green card interviewLeticia Nevares, a mother of three and elderly caretaker who has lived in the U.S. over 35 years, was detained at her green card interview in Fresno. Her son says she volunteers caring for sick and dying neighbors.Fresno, CA · Oct 28, 2025 · FresnoLand, Newsweek, Trump Whack
Russian tenant who fled persecution faces eviction while held by ICEA 42-year-old Russian tenant in San Francisco who fled political persecution remains held at California City Detention Center while facing eviction for unpaid rent. Legal aid stepped in ahead of his eviction trial after his landlord refused to reschedule.San Francisco, CA · Oct 18, 2025 · Mission Local, Sentinel Team
Maria Francisca V.C.: Firebaugh mother of four detained by ICE at final green card interviewMaria Francisca Villanueva Caballero, 49, a longtime Firebaugh resident who raised four children now pursuing medicine, veterinary science and law, was detained at her final USCIS residency interview. She remains held at California City.“I've been a good man, I grew up in this country, and I established my family here. I thought I was doing the correct things. It's like a nightmare, we have always been together.” — Alejandro SuarezFirebraugh, CA · Oct 8, 2025 · Merced Sun-Star, FresnoLand, The Fresno Bee +2
Gustavo: Detainee reports inadequate medical care at California City ICE facilityGustavo, held at California City ICE Detention Facility, said medical staff withhold proper care and medication because they assume detainees will soon be deported to Mexico.“I am very concerned I have prostate cancer and it is taking a very long time to get it diagnosed and treated,” — Fernando Viera ReyesCalifornia City, CA · Sep 18, 2025 · The New Yorker, The Desert Sun, ACLU of Indiana +2
Karam: Detainee with stomach ulcer denied medication, vomiting blood in ICE custodyKaram, held at California City ICE Detention Facility with a chronic stomach ulcer, went without his medication, began vomiting blood, and has gone on four hunger strikes since September.California City, CA · Sep 18, 2025 · The New Yorker, The Desert Sun, ACLU of Indiana +2
Jose P.: Father of four held six months by ICE after car wash raidJose Padilla, a father of four, was detained during a raid at the Los Angeles car wash where he worked. He was released August 4, 2026, after six months in custody.Southern California, CA · Jun 9, 2025 · ABC7, The Guardian Wings, News 247 Plus +2- Youssouph F.: Man re-detained by ICE without notice or hearingA man paroled into the United States in 2023 was re-detained by ICE in 2025 without notice or a hearing. A federal judge ordered his immediate release and barred future re-detention without due process.California City, CA · Jun 7, 2025 · CourtListener
Where people stood at the latest report
Each square is one percent of these stories. Read it with care: people who are still detained or already deported have far less access to reporters and lawyers than people who were released, so this mix reflects who gets covered more than how cases end.
- Deported 2%
- Still detained 35%
- Released 51%
- Unknown 12%