Data from October 1, 2021, states thatImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)currently has22,129 peoplein detention.However, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) only apprehended77% of these people.
ICE is responsible for detaining the remaining 23%.This isbecause there are many ways to end up at an ICE immigration detention center. How and why the government detainsan individual affects how long one will say at the facility.
If you want to know more, keepreading to learn about the ICE detention process.
What Is an ICE Immigration Detention Center?
An ice immigration detention center is a facility to hold immigrants. The reasons for immigrants being in the facilities vary. And sometimes, immigrants with legal status find themselves at one of these facilities.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees the most extensive immigration detention system in the world. Additionally, it spends more money on immigration than all other agencies within the department combined.
Yet, ICE facilities are usually private- or government-run facilities.ICE contracts local, county, and state governments and private companies to runmore than 200 facilitiesaround the country.
But, the public and non-governmental organizations have repeatedlyscrutinized immigration detention center conditions. Filth and abuse are rampant at them. They also lack space and proper food for those at the facilities. They disregardhuman rights.
And while there is a long list of government agencies to have the power to detain undocumented individuals, the most common are CBP and ICE.
WhyAre Peoplein ICE Detention?
As mentioned, there are several reasons why someone is at anICE detention center.
Many people areat one of these centers because CBP apprehended them crossing the border illegally. So evenif someone arrives at the border to claim asylum or refugee status, they will first go to a detention center for processing.
ICE may also detain someone for committing a crime, having an outstanding deportation order on record, or missing a prior immigration hearing. Outstanding removal orders can be pending or past due.
Usually, those in custody areeligible for releaseifthe authoritiesdecide they aren't aflight riskora danger to the community. But they still may be subject to monitoring or custody requirements.
How Long Until They Can Leave?
With so many factors, thedata is unclear. Standard procedures say 72-hours. However, this is rarely the case because of the number of people entering the facilities, even children. Yet, the Flores Agreement says the government must release children after 20 days.
Some organizations suggest the average hold time is less than a month, while others say it'stwo or three months. But, some people havebeen in custody for years.Thus, the average length of stay in immigration detention dependson each person and their circ*mstances.
Get Help For an ICE Detention Center Immigrant
It's not simple to address how long a person stays in an ICE detention facility because of how complex the system is. Unfortunately, that makes it impossible for families to get accurate information and help those detained.
If someone you love is in an ICE immigration detention center, call us atAction Immigration Bonds & Insurance Services. Our skilledprofessionals can helpget your family member or friend released from ICE custody.
