A Map of Detention, Abuse, and Expanding Capacity in the Face of Growing Concerns

A Look at Detention Centers Across the US

The Trump administration's hardline immigration policies have resulted in a significant increase in the number of people detained in facilities across the country. A map created by The Independent reveals the vast scope of this crackdown, highlighting the states where tens of thousands of individuals are being held.

As of February 8, 2018, over 43,759 people were being held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers across the US. Notably, more than half of these individuals do not have criminal records. Many face weeks or months of detention while their cases proceed.

Texas and Louisiana have the highest number of detainees, with Texas alone holding over 12,259 individuals. Eight ICE detention facilities in Texas hold more than 800 people each. Other states with significant detention populations include California, Georgia, Arizona, and Mississippi.

The concentration of detention facilities in the South is partly due to the phasing out of such centers in other states. This creates challenges for detainees, who often face difficulties accessing legal counsel and communicating with family members due to the remote locations of these facilities.

Immigration advocacy groups have raised concerns about the conditions inside detention centers, citing reports of "egregious abuses" such as solitary confinement and denial of medication. While these issues existed under previous administrations, there are fears that they will worsen under Trump.

The Trump administration is expanding its detention capacity, with plans to increase the number of beds available to 100,000. This includes the reopening of a facility in New Jersey with 1,000 beds, marking a significant expansion of detention in the New York metropolitan area.

Advocates warn that the increased detention capacity will lead to worsening conditions and potential harm to detainees. They urge the administration to reconsider its policies and prioritize humane treatment for those caught in the immigration system.