The White House announced that it is moving as many as 1,600 immigrants waiting for deportation hearings to federal prison. The transfer of immigrants reveals how many undocumented residents of the United States have already been arrested under the current presidential administration and its efforts to implement a tighter fist on immigration control.
On a recent Thursday, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office stated that the ICE has been working with the U.S. Marshals Service along with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to find beds for individuals captured while trying to cross the United States border unlawfully. The agreement between the two federal agencies reflects the White House’s “zero tolerance” policy it is applying to those crossing the border unlawfully. Previous administrations were more lax on those who crossed the border.
The new policy of tighter immigration control means that more undocumented immigrants are being arrested and detained, and these individuals require a place to sleep. According to the ICE, “The use of (Bureau of Prisons) facilities is intended to be a temporary measure…” The ICE plans to utilize five different prisons located in Oregon, Texas, California, Arizona and Washington. The facility located in California has the most beds available, 1,000 in total.
According to official reports, facilities that house unaccompanied children have reached 95 percent capacity, while short-term facilities run by Border Patrol are also close to capacity.
If you or a loved one has been arrested by the ICE, it’s important that you understand your legal rights and take action as quickly as possible. Immigration law strategies might be able to improve you or your loved one’s situation.
Source: USA Today, “ICE to send 1,600 immigration violators to federal prisons,” June 07, 2018