Rep. Raul Ruiz tours Adelanto ICE detention center, calls conditions “inhumane” after years of being denied access

After years of repeated requests, Raul Ruiz says he was finally granted access to the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Center — offering what he described as a firsthand look at troubling conditions inside the facility.

Ruiz had previously been denied entry in 2025 under a revised policy from the Department of Homeland Security that requires extended notice for congressional visits. He was turned away again earlier this year before ultimately being allowed inside.

Speaking with NBC Palm Springs reporter Alondra Campos, Ruiz said what he observed resembled a prison environment.

“I saw concrete walls, metal bunk beds, and open toilets with no privacy in cells that held multiple people,” Ruiz said. “I also saw non-criminal immigrants wearing prison jumpsuits.”

Ruiz also said he was prevented from speaking directly with detainees — including five individuals from the Coachella Valley whose case numbers he had on hand. He was told additional forms and advance notice were required.

For years, Ruiz has called for greater transparency and oversight at the Adelanto facility, which is operated under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He says his office has received reports alleging abuse, isolation as punishment, and pressure on detainees to sign deportation paperwork rather than pursue court hearings.

Ruiz says the visit will now directly inform his legislative efforts, including a bill aimed at improving standards for people held in ICE and CBP custody.

He is pushing for basic humanitarian protections such as access to hygiene products, showers, clean sleeping conditions, and accountability measures that could shut down facilities with repeated violations.

“These are basic human dignity issues,” Ruiz said. “There need to be real consequences when standards aren’t met.”

Ruiz says he plans to continue advocating for increased federal oversight of detention centers and stronger protections for immigrants held in custody.

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