Adelanto ICE Detention Center Water Contamination Allegations

Detainee Carlitos Ricardo Parias recorded a video showing worm‑like organisms in a bottle of water supplied at the privately operated ICE Processing Center in Adelanto, California. The footage was shared by his son during a video call, prompting attorneys for immigration detainees to allege that the facility is providing unsafe drinking water.

The center, run by the Geo Group, has been under a federal court order requiring 24‑hour access to clean, potable water after previous complaints of inadequate food, sanitation and medical care. The Department of Homeland Security says the water comes from the same municipal supply used by local residents and meets federal standards, while independent testing has not confirmed the nature of the organisms or the extent of the problem. Attorneys continue to investigate compliance with the court order.