An NPR review found that the grievance system designed to let immigration detainees report mistreatment, unsanitary conditions, medical neglect and sexual assault has largely broken down amid the Trump administration's dismantling of oversight offices, including the shuttered Immigration Detention Ombudsman's office and the gutted Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. A 2024 study of California detention centers found 71% of 485 grievances were rejected as unfounded, only 8% were resolved in detainees' favor, and advocates reported retaliation such as solitary confinement or transfers for those who filed complaints. Experts and lawmakers, including Rep. Joaquin Castro, say the lack of transparency and accountability has contributed to a record number of at least 53 detainee deaths and a rise in hunger strikes protesting conditions.