Congressman Panetta Supports Legislation Condemning Unnecessary Medical Procedures on Asylum Seekers

Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) supported passage of House Resolution 1153, condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent. The measure is in response to a whistleblower complaint alleging female detainees in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody underwent hysterectomies without consent.

"Unwanted gynecological procedures on immigrants at private detention facilities as reported would be an atrocity as well as an absolute failure of oversight by ICE," said Congressman Panetta. "Today, I and a majority of my colleagues condemned these disturbing allegations with our resolution to reaffirm the right to bodily autonomy, hold those involved accountable, and provide justice for survivors. We will continue to monitor the investigation into the whistleblower complaint to ensure the health, safety, and dignity of detained immigrants."

Last month, Congressman Panetta and his colleagues called for an independent investigation into the ICE-operated Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia. A whistleblower, a former nurse at the facility, alleged medical neglect and unwanted hysterectomies of ICE detainees at the facility.