Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove is pushing for greater oversight of immigration detention facilities and stronger protections for people in federal custody.
During a conversation at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 55th Annual Legislative Conference, the California Democrat discussed the impact of immigration enforcement in her Los Angeles-area district, medical care for detainees and her efforts to protect people in federal custody.
Kamlager-Dove has repeatedly visited the Adelanto ICE Processing Center as part of congressional oversight efforts. She discussed the case of constituent Carlitos Ricardo Parias, who suffered a gunshot wound during an immigration enforcement traffic stop and was later detained at Adelanto.
Kamlager-Dove has said Parias did not receive adequate medical care while detained, prompting her to introduce the Stop ICE's Medical Neglect Act of 2026. The legislation would establish a standardized system for reporting medical neglect in ICE detention facilities, require complaints to be investigated and ensure follow-up care.
She has also introduced legislation addressing the treatment of pregnant people in federal custody. Her Pregnant Women in Custody Act would establish standards for prenatal and postpartum care and prohibit practices including shackling during pregnancy and childbirth.
Beyond immigration, Kamlager-Dove discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on workers in entertainment and other creative industries.
This week, she helped launch the bipartisan Movies, Music, Entertainment & Sports, or MoMEntS, Caucus alongside Reps. María Elvira Salazar and Troy Carter. The new congressional caucus will focus on industries including film, television, music, sports, streaming, gaming and the creator economy.
Kamlager-Dove said emerging technologies like AI make it increasingly important to protect creative rights and ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of the people whose work drives those industries.
She also discussed congressional representation and civic engagement, emphasizing the role voters play in determining who holds decision-making positions in Congress.
Listen to the full conversation below!
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