SAN DIEGO — On December 11th, several immigrant rights groups came together to file a complaint against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
It’s the second complaint filed; claiming Border Patrol is violating federal standards by holding migrants in open-air detention sites after they cross the U.S.-Mexico border.
"We want to see an end to this," said Blaine Bookey, Legal Director for the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies.
The first complaint filed back in May focused on conditions at camps between the border’s walls in San Ysidro.
This new 88-page complaint expands that to include open-air sites in Jacumba.
It says Border Patrol agents are forcing migrants to wait at outdoor camps without providing adequate food, water, shelter, restrooms or medical care. Among the groups included in this new complaint are ‘The Center for Gender and Refugee Studies’ and ‘American Friends Service Committee.'
CBS 8 talked with representatives from both groups about the struggles asylum seekers are having to go through.
"Individuals who are forced to wait don’t even have the most basic necessities, like water, food, or shelter from the elements. These are basic standards that an agency most follow for them to be able to live," said Bookey.
Adriana Jasso with American Friends Service Committee says volunteers have spent 100 days helping hundreds of migrants with basic humanitarian needs.
So far, at least one person has died while in an open-air detention site according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the American Friends Service Committee.
With winter nearly here, it could create more dangerous conditions for asylum seekers.
"This time around, we are going 2-3 months, and that is a long time. Temperatures are changing quickly. We have rain coming this week which continues to be a concern for families and children exposed to elements," said Jasso.
According to the complaint, there are more than 800 migrants in Jacumba at times in deplorable conditions.
"There are better ways to treat people coming here for safety. This is the most powerful and wealthiest country. Having access to water and protecting children from the cold is not asking for too much," said Jasso.
They are hoping this complaint raises awareness and forces immediate change.
"We hope this complaint will lead to accountability and save lives," said Bookey.