Case Citation
Justice for Migrant Families et al. v. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 22-CV-00929-LJV-HKS (W.D.N.Y. filed Dec. 1, 2022)
Tags
Torture and Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment, Immigration
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The Buffalo Federal Processing Center (BFPC) is the largest immigration detention center in New York and notorious for abuses like prolonged solitary confinement and coerced labor of detained people.
Alongside Justice for Migrant Families, RFK Human Rights regularly visits BFPC to educate detained people on accessing legal protections against human rights abuses. During those visits, detained people have reported inadequate medical care, discriminatory treatment of people with disabilities, and retaliation for seeking medical treatment.
This lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act seeks information on BFPC policies and practices concerning medical treatment and abuse by guards.
Why is This a Key Case?
Records of detention center policies and practices are the basis of lawsuits to stop abusive treatment. In the short term, once policies and practices are released, violations of those policies can be shown, and courts can enforce compliance.
In the long term, groups like Justice for Migrant Families can use the information and data released in lawsuits under the Freedom of Information Act to build political power for the movement to shut down immigration detention.
What is the Status of this case?
Pending before the district court.
June 27, 2024
Defendants’ reply memorandum of law in support of motion to transfer or dismiss,
May 20, 2024
Plaintiffs’ memorandum of law in opposition of motion to transfer or dismiss,
February 20, 2024
Defendants’ memorandum of law in support of motion to transfer or dismiss,
January 1, 2024
Amended complaint filed,
August 7, 2023
Complaint filed in District of Colombia district court,
Additional Articles:
Investigative Post: Allegations of ICE mistreatment of detainees
Cornell Law School: Immigration Clinic Visits Batavia Detention Center
Justice Action Center: Immigrant Rights Organizations File FOIA Lawsuit Seeking Information on “Batavia” NY Detention Center
Case Partners
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Justice for Migrant Families
JFMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice for migrant families by providing support to individuals in the federal detention facility in Batavia, information and resources to families in the community, and advocacy both within and beyond the local community.
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Justice Action Center
JAC uses co-equal litigation and storytelling strategies to address unmet needs and build new frameworks to tangibly improve immigrants’ lives.
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Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York
Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is a nonprofit, legal services organization with offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, and Newburgh. PLS provides free, civil legal services to indigent prisoners in New York State correctional facilities.
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Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is a global law firm focused on delivering innovative solutions for four sectors: Technology & Innovation, Energy & Infrastructure, Finance and Life Sciences & health tech.