The California Department of Justice filed an amicus brief asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to uphold a district court injunction addressing conditions at California City Detention Facility; the brief relies on DOJ inspections conducted under Assembly Bill 103.

DOJ said its inspection found numerous violations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention standards, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure and crisis‑level understaffing for medical care; denial of access to outside medical specialists; exposure of detainees to extremely cold temperatures; rainwater and plumbing leaks into living quarters; insufficient clothing; unsanitary living spaces; limited attorney access; inadequate food; excessively long lockdowns; and a lack of recreational time.

In November 2025, seven California City detainees filed a class action alleging constitutional violations, the DOJ noted; the state’s findings of deficient conditions and care are cited in support of the plaintiffs’ claims.

Attorney General wrote in the brief that the district court’s remedies are warranted; the brief argues DOJ’s documented violations support continued facility access for a third‑party monitor, required improvements to detainee clothing and recreational access, and guaranteed access to counsel so detainees can pursue their claims while litigation continues.

Bonta quoted part of DOJ’s inspection findings, saying, "California City Detention Facility opened before it was ready"; he asked the Ninth Circuit to uphold the lower court’s injunction as urgent and necessary corrective action to protect detainees’ health and safety while the case proceeds.

The brief follows other DOJ actions the office cites: a May report on inhumane conditions at immigration detention facilities in California, an amicus brief opposing conditions at Adelanto ICE Processing Center in March, and two recently signed laws; SB 942 and SB 1399; that the attorney general sponsored to strengthen detention oversight, the release said.

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Rob Bonta

Attorney General · Democrat

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