They are supposed to receive three meals a day, two of which should be hot, but in practice, hundreds of immigrants detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) report that they are going hungry, receiving tiny rations, moldy food, or meals that are served hours late.
Result? Some have fallen ill, others have lost weight, and in at least one center, food shortages have caused a riot.
This was reported in an extensive article published by NBC News, which includes testimonies from migrants held in detention centers across at least seven states, as well as statements from lawyers, activists, and former ICE officials, and they all agree: the situation is alarming and worsens with overcrowding.
In some centers, such as the Golden State Annex in California, the portions of meat arrive so processed and reduced that they "look like little stones," according to Alfredo Parada Calderón, a Salvadoran migrant who has been detained for almost a year.
Another Russian migrant, Ilia Chernov, said that the rations have decreased so much that he is now "getting used to hunger" after losing weight during his detention at the Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana.
In El Paso, Texas, a Venezuelan reported receiving just two tablespoons of rice per meal, and in Washington, the organization La Resistencia reported seven health violations at the Tacoma detention center so far in 2025.
In April, more than 50 inmates fell ill after consuming reheated chard contaminated with bacteria, according to the local Health Department, reported NBC News.
The lawyers report that the situation is not an isolated issue or exclusive to one contracting company.
It affects both public and private centers equally, amid an overwhelmed detention system. ICE is currently holding over 57,000 individuals—well above the 41,500 slots approved by Congress—and the overcrowding makes it difficult to ensure adequate food or regularity in supply.
The collapse has been attributed by some former officials to the impact of new immigration measures implemented by the Trump administration, including the recent "One Big Beautiful Bill," which allocates $45 billion to ICE through 2029.
With those funds, it is estimated that up to 116,000 additional beds could be made available each year, emphasized NBC News.
In parallel, ICE has reduced key personnel in the supervision area, as, for instance, the Immigration Detention Ombudsman’s office—responsible for overseeing conditions and processing complaints—was dismantled this year.
According to former members of that organization, there is no longer any staff to verify the quality of the food, inspect the kitchens, or directly listen to the detainees.
Despite the multiple testimonies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denies everything: “Any claim of food shortages or inadequate conditions is false,” a spokesperson for the agency told NBC News.
He added that all the menus are “certified by nutritionists” and that the detainees receive medical attention and contact with their families.
But for immigrants behind bars, the experience is very different: “Before, breakfast was served at 6 a.m. Now it can be at 9. And dinner, at midnight,” said an activist in daily contact with the detainees.
While ICE and its contractors defend their figures, testimonies of hunger, illness, indignity, and deterioration continue to accumulate.
Food, one of the most basic human rights, is becoming—once again—a part of the unacknowledged punishment of the immigration detention system in the United States.
This week, a Cuban who has been in the Tacoma Detention Center in Washington state for two months, under the custody of ICE, reported serious confinement conditions, in addition to health complications that threaten his life.
Yefferson Lázaro García Purón, 27 years old, participated in the protests on July 11, 2021, in Havana.
Fearful of ending up in jail, he left the Island and traveled through several countries until he reached the southern border of the United States, where in August 2022 he obtained a parole that allowed him to enter the country.
Similarly, Leamsy Izquierdo, artistically known as La Figura, reported the inhumane conditions he faces in the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center in Florida, where he is held following his arrest on criminal charges and is in the custody of ICE.
A few days later, he raised his voice again from that detention center warning that there are currently two tents with a capacity for 250 people each.
Additionally, she added that the authorities were setting up a third tent with the alleged purpose of hiding some migrants during the visit of the mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, who would have access to the site.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation in ICE Detention Centers
What is the current situation regarding food in ICE detention centers?
Immigrants detained in ICE facilities report food shortages and spoiled food. According to gathered testimonies, detainees receive tiny rations, moldy meals, and significant delays, which has led to situations of hunger and illness.
What health problems do immigrants face in ICE detention centers?
Immigrants report health problems due to the poor quality of food and overcrowded living conditions. In some cases, they have fallen ill after consuming contaminated food and have experienced weight loss. Furthermore, the lack of adequate medical care has worsened these conditions.
How does overcrowding affect the conditions of ICE detention centers?
Overcrowding makes it difficult to ensure adequate food and medical care for detainees. With more than 57,000 individuals detained, the centers exceed their approved capacity, leading to deficiencies in basic services and alarming detention conditions.
What actions is ICE taking in response to reports of inhumane conditions?
ICE has denied the accusations and claims that all menus are certified by nutritionists. However, testimonies from immigrants and activists present a different reality. Although ICE asserts that it addresses complaints, the lack of proper oversight and the dismantling of inspection offices have complicated the verification of conditions.
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