Immigration detention in the United States facts for kids
The United States government holds many immigrants in special facilities. This is called immigration detention. Two main government groups, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are in charge of this. People might be held if they enter the U.S. without permission. They might also be held while they wait for their requests for asylum (safety in a new country) to be processed. Sometimes, people are detained while they are being sent back to their home countries.
Contents
What is Immigration Detention?
Immigration detention means that people who are not U.S. citizens are held in special places. These places are similar to jails but are for immigration reasons. This happens while the government decides if they can stay in the country. It also happens if they are waiting to leave the country.
Who Detains Immigrants?
Two main parts of the U.S. government handle immigration detention.
- The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) often detains people right after they arrive. This includes the Border Patrol. They hold people at processing centers for a short time. For example, in mid-2019, CBP held between 14,000 and 18,000 immigrants daily.
- The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds people for longer periods. They manage larger detention centers.
Why Are People Detained?
People are detained for a few main reasons:
- Entering without permission: Some people are held if they try to enter the United States without the correct documents or permission.
- Seeking asylum: People who ask for asylum are often detained. Asylum is protection given to people who fear harm in their home country. They might be held until their case is reviewed. Sometimes, they are released into the U.S. on parole (a temporary release).
- Deportation process: If someone is being removed or deported from the country, they might be held in detention. This happens while their legal process is completed.
How Many People Are Detained?
Many people are held in immigration detention each year. In the government's Fiscal Year 2018 (which ended in September 2018):
- A total of 396,448 people were in ICE custody at some point.
- Out of these, 242,778 were first detained by CBP.
- Another 153,670 were detained directly by ICE.
- On an average day in 2018, ICE held about 42,188 immigrants. This included about 40,075 adults and 2,113 people in families.
- More than 12,000 immigrant children are also cared for by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. This program helps Unaccompanied Alien Children, who are children who arrive without a parent or legal guardian.
Images for kids
-
Protest against immigration detention in 2018. "Abolish ICE Protest and Rally Downtown Chicago Illinois 8-16-18 3128" by www.cemillerphotography.com is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
.jpg)
