DHS Being Pushed to Close Family Detention Centers

In an open letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), House Democrats urged to end immigrant family detention of mothers and children from Central America. The group believes the detained immigrant mothers and children are being used to discourage further immigrants from coming into the United States illegally. The Democrats addressed the DHS, stating that they do not “fully grasp the serious harm being inflicted upon mothers and children in custody”.

In the last few weeks, the push to end mother and children detainment has moved to the forefront of immigration news. Those backing the decision to close the family detention centers, such as The United States Conference of Catholics Bishops, suggested alternatives to DHS’s detainment programs. They proposed using case management, office and home visits, and monitoring technology such as tracking devices to keep tabs on migrant families.

The argument continues, as newly-opened or renovated family detention centers are reported to be located far from cities, organizations offering support and in some cases immigration lawyers and immigration bail bond assistance. There has been recorded testimonial of detained immigrant mothers and children losing privileges if children misbehave and being abruptly woken up in the early morning by yelling guards with and lights.

A Pennsylvania-based immigration lawyer, Carol Anne Donohoe, travels to a detention center in Berks to represent immigrant mothers and children who have yet to be released. She claimed the majority of her clients have passed the preliminary screening processes required to be released but many of them recently reached a year in containment.