Immigration Officials Announce Major Changes To Detention Centers

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced sweeping changes to the detention centers around the nation. The goal of the changes is to reduce the number of immigrants being held in jails and jail like facilities, to improve the living conditions of detainees, and to make sure that the rights of detainees are protected. A new office has been created, the Office of Detention Policy and Planning (ODPP). This new office will be in charge of overseeing the location and operation of detention facilities, make sure that health care is provided for detainees, and to make sure that the rights of detainees are not violated. A facility that has been used to house families will be closed and will be used to house women only. This family housing facility has been the subject of great criticism by immigrant and civil rights groups for many years.

Of particular importance to us is that the stated policy of ICE is now to allow all criminal charges to be pursued prior to initiating removal proceedings. The reforms are expected to take many years to implement.

For more information about the Chicago criminal defense lawyers at Legal Defenders, P.C., visit us at www.thelegaldefenders.com or call us anytime at 1-800-228-7295.