A new state bill calls for more protections and oversight at immigration detention facilities in California.
The Masuma Khan Justice Act is named after an Altadena woman who was detained after a routine immigration check-in. Her case drew national attention to the treatment of detainees.
“Animals, we take care of them very good, better than what humans inside the detention center,” said Khan.
The 64-year-old Altadena resident reflected on the horror she says she endured locked up for a month in a private immigration detention center last year in San Diego County. That is until a Federal judge ordered her release.
Masuma says the conditions were so deplorable in the facility that it would have been deemed inhumane for even an animal.
“I feel nothing still. I cannot cry. I don’t feel anything inside, even outside. I cannot cry even it was so horrible. You couldn’t you can’t even cry. No, she became numb. She became numb. It was that bad. Yeah, I cannot cry anymore,” she said.
“They are being denied medical care. They are being denied something as simple and as essential as soap, clean water and safe food, and the consequences are devastating,” said California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez.
Senator Pérez introduced Senate Bill 995 – known as the Masuma Khan Justice Act — which would expand California’s authority to inspect private detention centers and hold operators accountable for violations.
“This legislation is grounded in a simple principle, if detention centers operate in California, they must meet California’s standard for safety, dignity and human rights,” Pérez said.
Under the proposal, facilities could face fines of up to $25,000 dollars per day if they fail to correct health and safety problems.
ABC7’s Leo Stallworth asked Khan: “Was there a point when you were in detention that you thought I’m gonna die here? Did you ever think that?”
“Yeah, but not for me. I am thinking about all my cell mates,” Khan responded.
Supporters say the legislation is needed after the California Department of Justice found serious deficiencies at several immigration detention facilities in the state, including inadequate medical and mental health care and limited access to legal counsel.
Khan had these words to President Trump.
“Please treat us like good people we are not criminals. We are human beings.”
State officials say California has thousands of immigration detention beds with plans to expand capacity at facilities.
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