Imperfect Paradise: Rotten food, disease, isolation – what we know about conditions at the Adelanto ICE detention center

Imperfect Paradise: Rotten food, disease, isolation – what we know about conditions at the Adelanto ICE detention center

From California City by LAist Studios

April 3, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the inhumane conditions at the Adelanto ICE detention center and the experiences of detainees as reported by Julia Barajas.

At least four people have died in custody at an ICE detention facility in Adelanto, California. A recent lawsuit alleges that living conditions there are inhumane, and some are comparing the facility to "concentration camps." LAist reporter Julia Barajas has been reporting on Adelanto and takes us there – she tells us about detainee experiences and how California lawmakers are trying to enforce accountability. Read Julia’s full report at LAist.com .  Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

People in this episode

Guest: Julia Barajas

Topics covered

  • ICE detention center
  • inhumane conditions
  • California lawmakers
  • detainee experiences
  • accountability
  • health and safety
  • immigration

Keywords

  • Adelanto
  • ICE detention
  • inhumane conditions
  • California
  • lawsuit
  • detainee experiences
  • accountability
  • health
  • safety
  • immigration

Sponsors

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LAist

Places: Adelanto, California

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