Silent Culprits: Immigrant Detention Centers

Abstract

Many gaps exist within the law that allow it to be interpreted differently for immigrants. Although the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 is the foundational law for immigration, it has not served all equally. The instability of the law continues to place the lives of many on the line. The lack of legally enforceable standards provides ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] with complete discretion over the management of detention centers with little to no accountability. Rather than expand the immigration detention system within the United States as proposed under President Trump, it remains clear that there are functions to address beforehand. Self-deportation, self-harm, and death are the consequences for many detained in private and government run detention centers alike in the United States. Legally enforceable standards should be researched and applied within ICE to ensure more accountability. Addressing some of the concerns with detention centers would not solve every issue that immigrants face, but crucial steps would be taken to eliminate the problems that have gone overlooked for years within our country. If these solutions are difficult to implement, then it might also serve beneficial to seek out alternatives that would help reduce the amount of time spent detained or avoid being held for an indefinite amount of time at all. Although undocumented immigrants don't hold a legal status in the United States, it doesn't mean they don't deserve a treatment of dignity and respect to ensure safety and good health. [From Conclusion]