Immigrants detained at the Golden State Annex in McFarland, California, have alleged that a guard, identified as Lt Quin and contracted by the private prison firm GEO Group, subjected them to sexual harassment and assault. Complaints were filed detailing accusations of Quin summoning detainees to his private office at night, making threats and promises to coerce them into sexual favors. One detainee alleged a pattern of abuse starting in May 2023, including unwanted sexual contact and the exchange of contraband like a phone and alcohol.
The detainee reported that this abuse was witnessed by another guard, which led to Quin's brief suspension. Despite these allegations, and complaints also made by other detainees, including a transgender individual and a gay couple, the officer was reportedly promoted to chief of security at a different facility, the Alexandria Staging Facility. The alleged victim was transferred to another processing center and subsequently deported.
Complaints filed by or on behalf of the detainees included accusations of sexual assault, harassment, and coercion. Some detainees also alleged that other staff were aware of the misconduct and joked about it. A complaint filed on behalf of one detainee by the Asian Law Caucus also contained allegations of abuse towards five other detainees.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that allegations of misconduct are taken seriously and investigated. However, they indicated that their investigation, reviewed by the DHS office for Civil Rights and... download the app to read more
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