With over a hundred immigration detention centers in the United States, usually located far from major cities and largely supervised by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), these large facilities house over several thousands detainees at any one time in some cases mixing people who have criminal records with those who do not.
Physical Environment Within Immigration Detention Facilities
In most immigration detention centers, men and women are sheltered separately. There are various family detention centers that primarily house women and children who are seeking asylum or refugee status.
Some detention centers have immigration courts and asylum offices inside the building. Due to their remote location, however, some detention centers are quite a long distance away from immigration courts. As a result, instead of seeing the immigration judge or asylum officer in person you might have interviews and hearings conducted through phone or video conferences.
Several immigration detention centers are situated inside jails operated by the federal or state government and hold immigration detainees with civil (not criminal) charges along with individuals who have been convicted or accused of crimes. Other centers hold only immigration detainees and are operated by private companies.
It is quite hard knowing how long you will remain in the detention center. In some situations, ICE may grant you a bond (an amount of money to pay to guarantee your release) or release you on certain conditions, such as appearing at an ICE office for check-ins or wearing an ankle monitor.
In the event ICE does not provide a bond, you may be eligible to apply for one with an immigration judge. If the immigration judge does not give you a bond, you will not be released until your immigration case is complete unless the immigration judge changes the decision. Do not be discouraged by not being granted a bond. Remain focused on preparing a strong application in your defense, such as an application for asylum.
Living conditions can be difficult at detention centers. You will likely be transported to a detention center in handcuffs and sometimes in shackles. Personal belongings will be taken away and you will be assigned a specific bed. In certain facilities, the guards will refer to you based on the number of your bed or using your alien registration number also known as an A-Number.
You will probably have to wear a jumpsuit uniform and will be guarded by uniformed officials. Moving freely within the facilities will not be an option. You will sleep in a large room with other detainees. Your privacy will be restricted. Throughout the day, the guards will conduct several counts during which you must stand next to your bed. During “count” times you will not be able to meet with visitors. In several detention centers, if you are meeting with visitors or your attorney during mealtimes, you might not be provided with food afterwards.
Connecting with Staff at Immigration Detention Centers
If the staff is unattentive or rude, do not take it personally as they have a huge responsibility on their shoulders. However if you have experienced some form of abuse such as:
- Lack of medical care
- Withholding of medication
- Physical violence
- Sexual abuse
- Discrimination
- Unsanitary conditions
- Lack of a bed, food or water
- Segregation used as punishment or
- Being forced to sign documents
Take notes of your mistreatment so you can later remember all the details. Then speak with your attorney.
Time to Talk to Your Attorney
Do you feel overwhelmed by the conditions and treatment at the detention center you are in? Ask your family members to help you find an immigration lawyer that can help get you out of detention fast. Our team of attorneys at Gambacorta Law Office will do everything in their power to alleviate you. Give us a call at 847 443 9303 to schedule a time to discuss your situation.