MILAN, N.M. – Allegations of excessive use of force, inadequate medical care, and harsh conditions have surfaced following a pepper spray incident at the Cibola County Correctional Center, operated by Core-Civic. The incident, which occurred on November 18, 2023, has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees in immigration detention centers.
According to reports, the incident unfolded when a group of detainees became disruptive and confrontational, leading to actions that included barricading doors, covering security cameras and windows, destroying facility property, setting fires, and refusing to comply with staff directives. In response to these actions, staff at the facility deployed oleoresin capsicum, commonly referred to as 'OC' spray, under barricaded doors.
Multiple detainees alleged experiencing adverse health effects as a result of the pepper spray deployment. Symptoms included fainting, vomiting, bleeding, and burning sensations. Some detainees claim they sought refuge in their rooms, attempting to protect themselves from the irritant, but were allegedly denied access to adequate medical care, showers, and forced to sleep overnight in the presence of the chemicals dispersed during the incident.
The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) subsequently filed a complaint against CoreCivic and the Cibola County Correctional Center, citing concerns over the incident. NMILC's complaint also claimed that detainees were subjected to harsh conditions, including inadequate food and water, and frustration over delayed deportations despite having received removal orders several months earlier.
Detainees held at the facility have raised these allegations, asserting that they were punished for actions they did not commit and now live in fear. One detainee reported ongoing headaches, nosebleeds, and worsening asthma symptoms, expressing a lack of trust and constant fear since the incident.
CoreCivic emphasized in an email that it does not determine deportation or release decisions, which fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Core-Civic also stated that detainees receive three nutritious meals daily, with menus reviewed and approved by a registered dietitian to comply with Performance Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS) requirements. Detainees are said to have unrestricted access to clean drinking water, sourced from the same municipal supply used by the residents in the Village of Milan.
Ryan Gustin, Director of CoreCivic Public Affairs, said in a written statement, “Staff at the Cibola County Correctional Center responded to a group of detainees who became disruptive and confrontational. The group created safety hazards by barricading doors, covering security cameras and windows, destroying facility property, setting fires, and refusing to comply with verbal directives provided by staff. After attempts by facility staff to deescalate the situation were unsuccessful, oleoresin capsicum, commonly referred to as ‘OC’ spray, was deployed under the barricaded doors. After the deployment of OC, staff were able to enter the housing unit, at which time the detainees became compliant, mitigating the risk of injury to both detainees and staff. Facility medical staff immediately evaluated all detainees involved in this incident, and those individuals were offered clean clothing and bed linens. The incident resulted in no injuries to detainees or staff. CoreCivic leadership immediately notified our government partner, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), about this incident.”