Immigrant Woman Held In Williamson County Attempts Suicide

AUSTIN, TX — An immigrant woman being detained at a Williamson County detention center who claims she was sexually abused while incarcerated recently attempted suicide, officials at an Austin-based immigrants rights advocacy group said.

The El Salvador immigrant named Laura Monterrosa has been detained at the T. Don Hutto immigration detention center since May 2017. In November, she came forward as a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a female detention guard working for CoreCivic (formerly Correctins Corporation of America), which operates the facility used to detain female undocumented immigrants.

“Despite our best efforts, we have yet to be updated as to the real status of this investigation," said Bob Libal, executive director of Austin-based Grassroots Leadership, which has apprised the public into the alleged abuse. "As far we know, these allegations have just been swept under the rug.”

Patch previously contacted the Williamson County Sheriff's Office for comment, but they failed to respond to both emailed and telephone requests for information. Grassroots Leadership officials said the abuse was witnessed by other guards in the facility, and another incident of sexual abuse was acknowledged as having happened at the same facility.

ICE spokeswoman Nina Pruneda emailed Patch a statement following a previously sent request for comment: "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does not comment on pending investigations. However, the agency is committed to ensuring all individuals in our custody are treated in a safe, secure and humane manner. Accusations of alleged unlawful conduct are investigated thoroughly and appropriate action is taken to ensure the safety and security of those involved and the others in ICE custody."

The advocacy group said the woman's alleged abuser continues to work at CoreCivic despite the allegations. On Friday, Jan. 11, Laura attempted to take her own life by ingesting 51 pills left with her by medical staff, officials said. Advocates say officials at CoreCivic and the Immigration Customs & Enforcement (ICE) officials failed to provide medical treatment until several hours after the suicide attempt.

After medical treatment, the woman was returned to Hutto and placed in solitary confinement, removed from that status only after community pressure and congressional involvement, Grassroots Leadership officials noted.

“I feel very desperate because I tried to report the abuse from ICE and facility officials, but they continue to psychologically abuse me through intimidation," Monterrosa said. "I do not feel safe or secure. I am not receiving the medical treatment or help I need.”

Monterrosa's suicide attempt was triggered after the prospect of having to interact with her alleged abuser despite her outcry, Grassroots Leadership officials said.

“This case is heart-wrenching," said Claudia Muñoz, immigration programs director at Grassroots Leadership. "We learned from Laura that she attempted to kill herself just after learning that she was going to be punished because she refused to eat in the same cafeteria where her abuser is now assigned. It’s just inhumane to force this victim of sexual abuse to have to relive that abuse everyday by being forced to confront her abuser over and over again. Laura can’t escape this pain, she can’t get the treatment she needs.”

Advocates are now calling on Sen. John Cornyn to look into the allegations of sexual abuse at the Hutto Detention Center. “There are enough eyes looking at this that something should have happened already to make sure that Laura is in a safe place. No victim of sexual abuse should be forced to live with their abuser,” said Bethany Carson, immigration researcher and organizer at Grassroots Leadership. “We are asking Sen. Cornyn in the name of the rule of law to ask that ICE immediately release Laura pending this investigation.”

Related stories:

Sexual Abuse Claims Emerge From Hutto Immigrant Detention Site

Chody Blasted For Inaction On Detention Site Sexual Abuse Claims

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