Judge Orders ICE to Provide Nourishing Meals for Detainees

A federal judge has mandated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must ensure adequate meal provisions for detainees at its Broadview facility in Illinois. Following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman, ICE is now tasked with finding food vendors capable of supplying up to 70 detainees with three nutritionally balanced meals daily.

The ruling emerged amid ongoing protests against the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts in Chicago. Judge Gettleman’s decision arose from a lawsuit filed by detainees alleging inhumane conditions, including overcrowding and insufficient food. The plaintiffs stated that detainees were crammed into small rooms for extended periods, often without adequate space to sleep.

According to a notice posted on a government contracting site, ICE is actively seeking a food service contractor to provide “composite food packages.” These meals must adhere to guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that meet specific nutritional standards.

Meals must consist of a balanced array of offerings. Breakfast should contain a source of protein, whole grains, fruits, and dairy. Lunch and dinner must include a protein entrée, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and a beverage. Additionally, the contractor must accommodate dietary restrictions, providing options for vegetarian, low-sodium, and allergen-free meals.

The contract stipulates that all meals are to be individually packaged in eco-friendly containers suitable for single use. These containers must maintain the food’s temperature and quality during transport and will be delivered at specific times: 06:00, 12:00, and 18:00.

This requirement aligns with the temporary restraining order issued by Judge Gettleman, which addresses the treatment of detainees held at the facility. The lawsuit highlighted severe overcrowding, with detainees reportedly being housed in conditions described as “like a pile of fish,” where they were forced to sleep in cramped positions, often near unsanitary areas.

The allegations are reminiscent of claims made regarding conditions at another facility in New York City. In that case, a federal judge ordered improvements after detainees described having limited access to food and water, sleeping on cement floors, and lacking bathing facilities for prolonged periods.

The recent developments underscore the ongoing scrutiny surrounding ICE operations and the treatment of individuals in detention. As ICE scrambles to meet these new requirements, the implications for detainee welfare and the agency’s operational practices continue to unfold.