Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) addressed allegations regarding food provisions at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities. The DHS refuted claims made by NBC that illegal aliens held at these facilities are not receiving adequate food.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Any claim that there is a lack of food or subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are categorically false. All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers.” She emphasized that the meals served are certified by dieticians and questioned the media's portrayal of ICE law enforcement.
The DHS countered specific allegations about meal sizes and timing. Claims suggesting chronic food shortages were dismissed as false, with assurance from ICE’s Food Service Operations Directors who review food portions according to nutritionist guidelines for a daily intake of 2400 to 2600 calories.
A report linking a suspected foodborne illness in Tacoma, Washington, to reheated collard greens was also addressed. The DHS clarified that while the Health Department was notified, the on-site medical team found no evidence connecting the illness to any specific food item.
Regarding an alleged complaint from a Russian immigrant about losing weight due to small portions at Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana, the DHS stated there were no such complaints from Russian detainees. Additionally, site visits by the Detention Standard Compliance Officer did not reveal any issues.
Another claim from a detainee at El Paso Service Processing Center about insufficient food was countered by stating that the facility's dietician-approved meal plan provides an average caloric intake of 3,436 per day—exceeding recommended minimums.
