For years, immigration detention centers at Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been criticized by immigration attorneys and activists for their sub-standard and inhumane conditions.  In particular, immigration attorneys, activists, and detainees regularly complained of inadequate showers, toilets, food, bedding, and access to medical care, among other complaints.  Overcrowding, cold temperatures, and restricted access to telephone calls and visitation have also been significant problems.  It has long been the practice of the Department of Homeland Security to allow immigration detention centers to exist largely free from accountability for these deplorable conditions.  However, in a recent announcement, the Department has stated that it will now begin conducting random inspections of CBP and ICE immigration detention facilities in order to ensure compliance with governmental health and safety standards for detention facilities.  Also of importance, the results of these inspections are to be made available to lawmakers and the public.  This is a step forward for ensuring agency transparency and accountability as well as for making sure that the basic needs of detainees in immigration detention are met.