Federal judge orders monitor to oversee California's largest ICE detention center

Ruling requires ICE to provide medical care, warm clothing, and timely lawyer access at California City Detention Facility

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A federal judge has ordered the appointment of an external monitor to oversee California's largest immigration detention facility, the California City Detention Facility, to ensure detainees' constitutional rights, including access to adequate medical care, are being met. The ruling came as part of a class action lawsuit filed by seven detainees over alleged inhumane conditions at the privately-owned facility.

Why it matters

The judge's decision is the latest in a series of court orders challenging the Trump administration's immigration enforcement practices, including issues around the treatment of detainees in ICE facilities across the country. The ruling highlights ongoing concerns about the conditions in these detention centers and the government's responsibility to provide basic standards of care.

The details

The judge ordered ICE and the Department of Homeland Security to provide detainees at the California City Detention Facility with adequate medical care, temperature-appropriate clothing and blankets, and timely access to their lawyers. The facility, operated by private prison company CoreCivic, has faced scrutiny and criticism from California lawmakers who have visited the site and raised alarms about 'inhumane conditions' like lack of access to healthcare, food, water, and legal counsel.

  • The class action lawsuit was filed in November 2025.
  • The judge's ruling was issued on February 11, 2026.

The players

U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney

The federal judge who ordered the appointment of an external monitor to oversee the California City Detention Facility.

CoreCivic

The private prison company that operates the California City Detention Facility, one of the largest for-profit prison operators in the country and a major provider of immigration detention services.

Fernando Gomez Ruiz

A plaintiff in the class action lawsuit, a father of two who has lived in the Los Angeles area for 22 years and was denied insulin and wound care for a foot ulcer while detained at the facility.

Fernando Viera Reyes

A plaintiff in the class action lawsuit who was denied timely access to a doctor to diagnose and treat his likely prostate cancer while detained at the facility.

Steven Ragland

A partner at Keker, Van Nest & Peters, the law firm representing the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“This government seems hell bent on treating people the worst way possible. I am very appreciative that the court did enter this order and I really do hope it will make a difference. It is granting relief that should not be controversial, providing fundamental medical care to the 1,100 people detained there, who need it.”

— Steven Ragland, Partner, Keker, Van Nest & Peters (San Francisco Chronicle)

“I've been cleaning the blood with toilet paper. I'm scared to lose my foot. It feels like they don't care that I'm sick.”

— Fernando Gomez Ruiz (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The external monitor appointed by the court will oversee the California City Detention Facility for 120 days, with the possibility of the court extending their tenure. The monitor will review medical records, conduct on-site inspections, and interview patients and staff to ensure the facility is providing adequate medical care, warm clothing, and access to lawyers.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing legal battles over the treatment of immigrants in detention centers across the country, with courts stepping in to address alleged violations of detainees' constitutional rights. The decision underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability in the immigration detention system, particularly at large facilities operated by private prison companies.