Summary: A coalition of Illinois advocacy groups has filed a class action lawsuit against federal authorities, alleging “inhumane” conditions at a Chicago-area Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The suit claims violations of detainees’ constitutional rights and federal regulations, intensifying scrutiny of U.S. immigration detention practices.
Chicago, November 2, 2025 — Illinois-based advocates have launched a legal challenge against federal authorities, accusing them of maintaining unconstitutional and degrading conditions at a Chicago-area ICE detention center. The lawsuit, filed Friday, seeks systemic reforms and accountability for what plaintiffs describe as persistent violations of detainees’ rights.
The Lawsuit
The case was brought by the MacArthur Justice Center, the ACLU of Illinois, and the Chicago office of law firm Eimer Stahl. It alleges that ICE officials have violated the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause by subjecting detainees to unreasonable conditions of confinement. The complaint also cites breaches of federal regulations prohibiting coercion to induce detainees to waive rights or make statements.
Allegations of Abuse
Advocates argue that detainees face overcrowding, inadequate medical care, poor sanitation, and coercive practices, conditions they say amount to cruel and unlawful treatment. The plaintiffs contend that these practices not only endanger detainees’ health and safety but also undermine the integrity of the immigration system.
Broader Context
The lawsuit comes amid a series of legal challenges nationwide targeting ICE detention conditions. Earlier this year, federal judges in New York and California issued rulings requiring improvements in detainee treatment, citing similar concerns over overcrowding and lack of hygiene. Human rights groups have long criticized ICE facilities for failing to meet basic standards of care.
Advocates’ Demands
The Illinois plaintiffs are seeking:
- Immediate improvements in living conditions, including access to medical care and sanitation.
- Independent oversight to ensure compliance with constitutional and regulatory standards.
- Protections against coercion, ensuring detainees are not pressured into waiving rights or making statements under duress.
Government Response
Federal authorities have not yet issued a detailed response to the lawsuit. ICE has previously defended its facilities, stating that it complies with national detention standards and provides adequate care. However, the growing number of lawsuits suggests mounting pressure for reform.
In short: Illinois advocates have taken federal authorities to court over alleged inhumane conditions at an ICE facility, citing constitutional violations and demanding urgent reforms. The case adds to a growing wave of legal challenges spotlighting the treatment of immigration detainees in the United States.
Source: JURIST – Illinois advocates sue federal authorities over ‘inhumane’ conditions at ICE facility by Aabshar Ghassi, University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
