Human Rights Watch
recently released a comprehensive report detailing the abusive conditions
that women and children face while detained in U.S. immigration holding
facilities. Immigrants and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents
both reportedly refer to these facilities as “
hieleras” or “freezers.” Based on over 100 interviews with detained
women and children, the writers of the report conclude that women and
children often are held in very poor conditions, most often for one to
three days, before being transferred to more long-term detention facilities.
These conditions include cells with freezing temperatures and no protection
from the cold except a Mylar blanket on the floor, separation from other
family members, removal of all but one layer of clothing, an inability
to shower, a lack of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and hand soap, and in some
cases, no access to diapers or menstrual hygiene products as needed. These
conditions mirror what other investigative reporters have found in the
past, as recently as in 2016 and 2017, particularly when it comes to the
uncomfortably cold temperatures of the cell in which they are held. Although
detainees almost always spend at least one night in these holding cells,
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does not routinely provide
sleeping mats, arguing that these cells are not designed for overnight
detention. One detention expert opined that these cells were not fit for
an adult to be detained for more than 10 hours at a time. Given the overall
nature of these holding facilities, the Human Rights Watch researchers
concluded that the conditions in these facilities likely violate existing
federal court orders related to abusive detention conditions. These conditions
are likely to violate international standards of detention, as well. When
you or a loved one are detained and face deportation for any reason,
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C.
is here to help. We care about you, your family, and your ability to remain
in the U.S. As a result, our California deportation defense lawyers stand
ready to build the strongest possible deportation defense case on your
behalf. Contact your
Oakland immigration lawyer
today and learn how we can advocate for you and your family in your deportation
proceedings.
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