For Immediate Release: December 2, 2016
Over the last decade, government spending on immigration detention beds has increased at a rapid rate without any commensurate justification. Today, for-profit prison companies operate more than 60% of ICE immigration detention beds, up from 49% in 2009. With the recent increase of women and children migrating to the United States from Central America, there has been a dramatic rise in family detention in an effort to slow the flow of. In detention, immigrants often suffer physical or verbal mistreatment, and are routinely denied access to medical care and attorneys. Furthermore, detention results in family separation, negatively impacts children, and destroys the financial stability of the family. LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) immigrants in detention face a high likelihood of sexual assault and other abuse; DHS must protect all detainees from such violations, or release them from detention.
Solutions:
– End the policy of family detention and close private detention facilities.
– Prohibit federal and state governments from contracting with for-profit companies for immigration related detention services or alternative to detention programs.
– Immediately end contracts with immigration facilities with reported abuse, and prosecute individuals accused of having abused immigrants.
– Ensure all detention facilities provide adequate access to health services, including reproductive services like abortion.