Immigrants held at a California detention centre have alleged they were sexually harassed by a guard, with complaints going unanswered while the officer was transferred and promoted, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.
The guard, identified only as “Lt Quin”, worked as an administrative manager at the Golden State Annex in McFarland, California, for GEO Group, a private prison firm. Three complaints from the same detainee accused Quin of sexual assault, harassment and coercion. The detainee alleged that, from May 2023, Quin summoned him to his office late at night, made sexual comments, and touched his genitals.
The 28-year-old detainee said he initially refused Quin’s advances, which included promises to help with his immigration case and threats of calling a “code black” to summon other officers. He eventually gave in, allowing Quin to touch him and perform oral sex. He said he was later given contraband, including a phone and alcohol, which led to Quin’s brief suspension after being witnessed by another guard.
An earlier complaint by the Asian Law Caucus alleged that other staff made suggestive remarks, hinting they knew about the abuse. The complaint also included allegations from five other detainees, including a transgender individual and a gay couple from Colombia who reported abuse in April 2024.
Despite complaints filed with the Federal Tort Claims Act, a watchdog agency, and the Department of Homeland Security, no investigation was initiated, according to the Times. Quin was later promoted to chief of security at a facility in Louisiana, while the alleged victim was transferred to another centre and deported last month.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the allegations were investigated and could not be substantiated. The Independent has contacted ICE and GEO Group for comment.
