Investigate Inhumane Conditions at FCI Waseca — Demand BOP Accountability Now
Investigate Inhumane Conditions at FCI Waseca — Demand BOP Accountability Now
The Issue
We are calling on the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the Department of Justice, and congressional oversight to immediately investigate the horrific and unconstitutional conditions at FCI Waseca, a federal women’s prison in Minnesota.
Conditions at Waseca are equal to or worse than those at FCI Dublin, which was recently placed under a Special Master due to Eighth Amendment violations. Inmates at Waseca — including pregnant women, elderly individuals, and even service dogs — are suffering under dangerous, neglectful, and inhumane circumstances.
Reported issues include:
A K2 drug epidemic causing seizures, hallucinations, overdoses, and death
No psychiatric care for nearly a year despite suicides and mental health crises
Expired and unsanitary food being served, including 7-year-old frozen pizza
Dangerous overcrowding (nearly 1,000 inmates in a 712-capacity facility)
No air conditioning, proper showers, or working phones
Rampant sexual abuse and harassment among inmates and staff
Lack of access to education, rehab, and legal resources
Leaking roofs, flooding, broken infrastructure, and excessive heat
Staff bullying, inadequate medical care, and rights violations
We demand a federal investigation, appointment of a Special Master, and swift intervention to protect the human rights of women incarcerated at FCI Waseca. If the BOP cannot guarantee humane conditions, then compassionate release must be considered.
SIGN THIS PETITION to hold the BOP accountable and demand dignity and safety for the women at FCI Waseca.
Jane Dornick 65140050, FCI, PO Box 1731, Waseca, MN 56093
Recent Lawsuit Highlights Grave Consequences
In May 2025, the family of Starsha Silva, a 36‑year‑old mother of four, filed a federal lawsuit alleging that FCI Waseca denied her urgent medical care—despite a Mayo Clinic diagnosis requiring emergency open‑heart surgery. Rather than remain hospitalized, Silva was returned to Waseca due to perceived staff shortages. She died three weeks later after collapsing in her cell while awaiting a transfer.
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The Issue
We are calling on the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the Department of Justice, and congressional oversight to immediately investigate the horrific and unconstitutional conditions at FCI Waseca, a federal women’s prison in Minnesota.
Conditions at Waseca are equal to or worse than those at FCI Dublin, which was recently placed under a Special Master due to Eighth Amendment violations. Inmates at Waseca — including pregnant women, elderly individuals, and even service dogs — are suffering under dangerous, neglectful, and inhumane circumstances.
Reported issues include:
A K2 drug epidemic causing seizures, hallucinations, overdoses, and death
No psychiatric care for nearly a year despite suicides and mental health crises
Expired and unsanitary food being served, including 7-year-old frozen pizza
Dangerous overcrowding (nearly 1,000 inmates in a 712-capacity facility)
No air conditioning, proper showers, or working phones
Rampant sexual abuse and harassment among inmates and staff
Lack of access to education, rehab, and legal resources
Leaking roofs, flooding, broken infrastructure, and excessive heat
Staff bullying, inadequate medical care, and rights violations
We demand a federal investigation, appointment of a Special Master, and swift intervention to protect the human rights of women incarcerated at FCI Waseca. If the BOP cannot guarantee humane conditions, then compassionate release must be considered.
SIGN THIS PETITION to hold the BOP accountable and demand dignity and safety for the women at FCI Waseca.
Jane Dornick 65140050, FCI, PO Box 1731, Waseca, MN 56093
Recent Lawsuit Highlights Grave Consequences
In May 2025, the family of Starsha Silva, a 36‑year‑old mother of four, filed a federal lawsuit alleging that FCI Waseca denied her urgent medical care—despite a Mayo Clinic diagnosis requiring emergency open‑heart surgery. Rather than remain hospitalized, Silva was returned to Waseca due to perceived staff shortages. She died three weeks later after collapsing in her cell while awaiting a transfer.
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The Decision Makers
Petition created on September 6, 2024