Migrant Advocacy Groups Urge Biden Administration to Close ICE Detention Centers
In a poignant letter, nearly 200 migrant advocacy groups called on President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to take decisive action by closing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. The letter, submitted just before the conclusion of the Biden administration, coincides with concerns about a shift in immigration policy under the incoming Trump administration.
A Call for Immediate Action
The letter, which also included recipients such as ICE Deputy Director Patrick Lechleitner and ICE Chief of Staff Michael Lumpkin, urgently requested measures to “protect immigrant communities while they still can.” The signatories expressed that the remaining months of Biden’s presidency present a crucial opportunity to honor commitments to humane treatment and dignity for immigrants.
Within the correspondence, the groups highlighted the impending risk posed by the incoming administration. Although President-elect Trump was not explicitly named, the groups clearly warned that the new administration was likely to pursue aggressive mass deportation tactics, a concern that resonates strongly among immigrant communities nationwide.
The Stakes Involved
The advocacy coalition, spearheaded by the Detention Watch Network, expressed fears that the continuation of current detention practices could lead to the separation of families and disrupt the lives of millions of individuals. The letter outlined that urgent changes are needed to prevent these outcomes, emphasizing that their proposed actions could significantly alter the landscape of immigration enforcement in America.
Among the noteworthy organizations that signed the letter were the American Friends Service Committee, Americans for Immigrant Justice, the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at UCLA School of Law, Human Rights Watch, and Make the Road. Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the organization run by Kerry Kennedy, also added its voice to this collective plea, emphasizing the human rights implications inherent in maintaining ICE facilities.
Highlighting Inhumane Conditions
The letter stated that by closing ICE detention centers, the Biden administration could successfully halt what the consortium termed “inhumane and abusive conditions” that detainees reportedly face. Allegations of inadequate food, insufficient water, negligent medical care, and even deaths have prompted severe criticism of the current detention infrastructure.
“No one should be detained in these conditions,” the letter asserted, reminding Biden and Mayorkas of their earlier commitments to end the use of for-profit detention centers. The concern arises from the reality that over 90% of individuals currently detained are in facilities operated by private companies, reflecting the urgent need for policy reform.
Preventing System Expansion
As part of their three-pronged approach, the letter demanded a halt to the expansion of detention facilities, advocating for a freeze or rescission of Requests for Proposal (RFPs). The coalition cautioned that allowing for the growth of such facilities would effectively empower the anticipated Trump administration to further its controversial immigration agenda.
“To protect families and prevent separations, you must take all possible action to prevent the incoming administration from being able to easily expand detention capacity,” the groups emphasized. They encouraged Congress to consider a reduced appropriation for immigration detention, which they believe is essential to safeguard immigrant families.
Releasing Vulnerable Populations
The letter also urged the immediate initiation of release proceedings for vulnerable populations, including migrants with mental or physical health issues as well as those eligible for parole or Temporary Protected Status. Advocates argue that individuals should have the right to face their immigration proceedings within their communities, supported by their families and access to necessary legal aid.
Preventing Catastrophe for Immigrant Communities
“Now is the time to take decisive action to prevent catastrophe for millions of people and avoid handing the keys to an expanded and inhumane detention and deportation system to the next president,” the letter concluded, reflecting a grim urgency that advocates feel as the transition of power approaches.
Wider Implications of Trump’s Policies
Warnings surrounding Trump’s potential immigration policies extend beyond advocacy groups, as local officials also express their concerns. For instance, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson characterized Trump as a “threat” to both new arrivals and undocumented families, further highlighting the fears shared by many regarding changes to immigration policy.
Awaiting a Response
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and Secretary Mayorkas for comments regarding the letter and the requests put forth by the coalition of advocacy groups. As discussions continue, the future of immigration policy remains uncertain, creating anxiety among immigrant communities nationwide.
