Title: Alaska House Judiciary Committee Hearing Turns Political Over ICE Detention Conditions
June 20, 2025 – Anchorage, AK
A recent hearing by the Alaska House Judiciary Committee, led by Chair Rep. Andrew Gray (D-Anchorage), devolved into a political spectacle as outdated federal guidelines were prominently referenced to express concerns about the treatment of illegal immigrants detained at the Anchorage Correctional Complex.
Rep. Gray’s criticisms focused on a 2019 document from the Trump administration while neglecting more recent updates issued under President Biden. He cited assertions from the outdated guidance concerning detainee rights, such as outdoor time, access to legal counsel, and sanitary conditions, implying potential violations by the state Department of Corrections. However, this 2019 document has been superseded twice, with new policies addressing critical issues, including the housing of transgender women.
The hearing featured a remarkable display as Gray appeared to consult outside sources, likely immigration attorneys and advocates, while reading from his phone. Notably absent from Gray’s argument was acknowledgment of a 2025 policy document that reflects the current operational standards for ICE detainees.
In contrast, written statements from Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor defended the Anchorage facility, asserting compliance with both state and federal regulations. Taylor emphasized that detainees are granted appropriate access to legal resources and living conditions aligning with ICE’s contractual obligations.
The Anchorage Correctional Complex currently houses around 40 ICE detainees, operating under a federal contract that allows some leeway in standard implementation based on local conditions.
As the hearing concluded, it remains uncertain if any formal actions will follow, aside from potential legal challenges from the ACLU and advocacy groups seeking improvements in detention conditions. Key documents from the hearing, including communications between Gray and Attorney General Taylor, are accessible on the Alaska Legislature’s committee page.
Source
Photo credit mustreadalaska.com
