Access to 911 calls made from private immigration detention centers in California could become a key tool to understand what happens inside these facilities, where civil organizations and journalists have documented complaints of alleged poor conditions, violence and lack of supervision.
The discussion arises in a context of growing concern about the increase in people detained in facilities managed by private companies. In recent months, various reports have pointed out serious incidents, including deaths recorded at the Adelanto and Imperial centers, both located in Southern California.
Against this background, State Senator Lena González presented the bill SB 423, which would require local agencies to disclose 911 calls and records related to these centers, respecting the privacy of victims and ongoing investigations.
The initiative seeks to prevent information of public interest from remaining reserved due to interpretations of the California Public Records Law.
Journalists and organizations support the proposal
The discussion gained momentum after journalistic investigations that revealed obstacles to accessing information about incidents that occurred in detention centers. According to CalMatters, this year reports of alleged sexual assaults emerged in downtown Otay Mesa whose records could not be accessed due to legal restrictions.
First Amendment Coalition journalist and trainer Robert Lewis recalled that for years obtaining records related to these centers was a complex process.
“Getting information about a system that affects the lives of thousands of people in our state shouldn't be so difficult,” he said.
Similar experiences in Arizona, Florida and Texas showed that 911 recordings revealed alleged medical emergencies, use of pepper spray and other incidents that remained outside public scrutiny.
If approved, the legislation would strengthen transparency, access to information and supervision over private centers where thousands of immigrants remain in ICE custody in California.
