ICE Detainee Treatment in NY Jails: Lack of Transparency, Communication Barriers
A growing concern has emerged regarding the treatment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees in New York's county jails. Issues include lack of transparency, communication barriers, and inadequate legal assistance.
The number of ICE detainees in county jails has surged, with seven facilities now housing these individuals. Unlike criminal detainees, most immigration detainees must find their own legal representation. This task is made more difficult by the fact that each jail has its own rules for communication and visitation, forcing attorneys to learn these idiosyncrasies individually.
Adding to the challenge, some county jails are not listed in ICE's online detainee locator database. This makes it hard for attorneys and advocates to find detainees, as seen in the case of Ramon Eduardo Contreras-Hernandez at the Broome County jail. Contreras-Hernandez has not been able to meet with lawyers since his transfer seven weeks ago.
Detainees also face obstacles in accessing basic information about their cases. At the Broome County jail, detainees struggle to understand their case details and potential release options. Meanwhile, at the Nassau County jail, ICE detainees have been denied phone call privileges, despite ICE detention standards requiring such communication.
The situation highlights the need for improved transparency and standardization in the treatment of ICE detainees across New York's county jails. This includes ensuring all facilities are listed in ICE's detainee locator database, allowing detainees access to phones, and providing clear information about their cases. Additionally, organizations offering legal assistance in German should be made more accessible to detainees.
