Federal inspectors found that staff at a Louisiana immigration detention facility used prohibited force techniques, kept incomplete medical records and failed to fix unsafe conditions that could put detainees at risk.
The findings come from a new report on Winn Correctional Center in Winnfield, where more than 1,500 immigration detainees are housed under ICE oversight.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility in March 2025. Inspectors found that Winn met some detention standards but failed to comply with several rules meant to protect detainees’ health, safety and rights.
The report describes problems across several parts of the facility. Inspectors found leaks, damaged ceilings and sanitation issues in intake, kitchen and segregation areas. They warned those conditions could pose health and safety risks.
Food safety was another concern. According to the report, some perishable food was stored at temperatures above required levels, which could increase the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.
Inspectors also flagged serious problems with use-of-force procedures. The report found that staff used prohibited techniques in some incidents. Staff also did not always document those incidents or report them quickly to federal authorities.
Medical care records were incomplete in some cases, according to the report. Inspectors found that medical staff did not always update treatment plans or properly document lab results. That could create risks for detainees who need ongoing care.
The report also found gaps in detainee records. Many files were missing key classification documents, making it difficult to confirm whether detainees were housed in the right areas.
Inspectors found problems with detainees’ access to legal resources, too. Detainees did not have secure ways to store legal documents, and some postings about legal services were incomplete or outdated.
The report also cited issues with how detainee requests and grievances were handled. Inspectors found incomplete logs and unclear instructions for submitting requests.
Other findings involved recreation and work programs. The facility did not keep records of detainee work history. Inspectors also found that some detainees in disciplinary segregation did not have access to exercise equipment.
The report raised broader oversight concerns. Inspectors said facility staff did not provide complete video footage of some use-of-force incidents. That limited the watchdog’s ability to review whether the facility followed federal standards.
The Office of Inspector General issued nine recommendations. They include improving maintenance, strengthening medical records, following proper use-of-force procedures and expanding access to legal resources.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agreed with all nine recommendations, according to the report. Four have been fully resolved. Five remain open and require more corrective action.
Winn Correctional Center operates under ICE oversight in coordination with local authorities and a private contractor.
Federal law requires unannounced inspections of ICE detention facilities to check whether they comply with national detention standards and protect detainees’ health, safety and rights.
READ MORE:DHS watchdog finds oversight failures at Louisiana immigration detention facility
