Jayapal, Smith Urge DHS to End Use of Private, For-Profit Detention Centers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Adam Smith (WA-09) are calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to phase out the use of private, for-profit detention centers for immigrants in U.S. custody and consider alternatives to expanding the immigration detention system.

“The problems with immigration detention facilities, ranging from unsafe and inhumane conditions to the overuse of solitary confinement and unwarranted medical procedures, are well-documented by DHS’s Office of Inspector General, media reports, and non-profit organizations,” wrote the Members. “Private prison companies prioritize profits over people and care. We should not […be] increasing harmful immigration detention when more humane and cost-effective alternatives exist.”

This call comes as DHS jointly announced that they would be closing the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas while also expanding the overall use of immigration detention. For-profit immigration detention centers, like the one closing, prioritize profits over humane care. They are also frequently rife with abuse, including unnecessary medical interventions, forced labor, abuse of solitary confinement, and intimidation. This was highlighted in a recent report which found that 95 percent of in-custody deaths reported by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between 2017 and 2021 were preventable.

Jayapal and Smith also lead the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, transformative legislation that ends the use of for-profit, private detention facilities and protects the civil and human rights of immigrants. 

The full letter can be read here.

Issues: Immigration