Progress at the National Level, Awaiting Implementation in the Field

Thursday, 05 August 2010

On the first anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement that it would overhaul the nation's sprawling immigration detention system to create a non-penal, “truly civil” detention system, the National Immigrant Justice Center awaits the implementation of meaningful changes that would improve conditions for immigrants in its custody.

Statement by Mary Meg McCarthy, Executive Director
Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center

CHICAGO (August 5, 2010) – On the first anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement that it would overhaul the nation's sprawling immigration detention system to create a non-penal, “truly civil” detention system, the National Immigrant Justice Center awaits the implementation of meaningful changes that would improve conditions for immigrants in its custody.

The announcement of detention reforms followed an unprecedented top-down review of the detention system.  The review found significant deficiencies in program management, accountability, and medical care, particularly for the chronically ill. The review recommended a number of reforms, including increased transparency, the use of alternatives to detention, and protections for vulnerable populations.  NIJC appreciates DHS’s commitment to the reforms and the steps it has taken over the past year to develop policies and practices that reflect that vision. We recognize DHS’s commitment to develop a risk assessment tool, which would provide an individual assessment of the need to detain.  We also recognize DHS’s commitment to increased transparency through its new On-Line Detainee Locator System.

However, conditions for noncitizens held in DHS custody continue to reflect a penal and inhumane culture.  The continued warehousing of noncitizens—exacerbated by DHS’s expansion of enforcement measures—is not only a significant barrier to DHS’s ultimate success in reforming the system but also a barrier to compliance with the United States’ commitment to human rights.

While we recognize DHS’s commitment to reform, actual change—including adequate health care and respect for individual dignity—will not be possible until DHS scales down its massive detention system. This anniversary is an opportunity for DHS to end arbitrary and unnecessary detention in the United States.

Heartland Alliance's National Immigrant Justice Center provides direct legal services to and advocates for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education.

Click here to view this statement on NIJC's website.