The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that
it would be considering whether to continue using private companies to operate
immigrant detention centers. This announcement came on the heels of the U.S. Department of Justice’s
decision to phase out its usage of private companies to operate federal
prisons, citing concerns about safety, security, and costs. The federal
government’s decision to reconsider its options in this area is
no small matter; on any given day, there are 33,000 individuals who are
being held in immigrant detention facilities in America. The number of
detained immigrants has grown substantially as immigration laws and regulations
have tightened over the years, particularly following the September 11,
2001 terrorist attacks. The federal government began to increasingly rely
on private contracts to house detained immigrants as the demands for bed
space continued to grow. The Service Processing Centers operated by the
federal government were no longer sufficient to house the sheer number
of detained immigrants. As a result, privately-run immigrant detention
facilities became increasingly common, including the Adelanto Detention
Facility, which is the largest private detention center in California.
Located about 90 miles from Los Angeles, the GEO Group operates Adelanto,
charging an estimated $112.50 per detainee per day. While all immigrant
detention facilities have had their share of problems, private detention
centers have been the subject of a great deal of criticism, resulting
in lawsuits related to overcrowding and a lack of adequate medical care.
Investigation into these and other issues have resulted in some changes;
for instance, the GEO Group changed medical providers at Adelanto this
year due to problems with the previous provider. Making further progress
and potentially phasing out California’s privately-run immigrant
detention centers, like Adelanto, however, has stalled. Governor Jerry
Brown vetoed a bill in September that would have prohibited cities and
counties from participating in detention contracts with private companies,
citing the fact that the federal government is currently reconsidering
these contracts itself. This leaves any hope of progress in this area
in the hands of the federal government, at least for the moment. The deportation
defense lawyers of
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C.
have handled countless deportation cases on behalf of individuals who
are facing deportation charges. We know how devastating it can be for
individuals to face a potential return to their native countries, often
leaving behind their families, friends, jobs, and communities. We care
about you and your family, and we want to help you fight your deportation
charges. Call our office today to set up your consultation.
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