Detention facilities operated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are grappling with severe overcrowding, reaching 109% of their intended capacity. This situation has forced officials to release some detainees under monitoring programs within the U.S., according to information shared by Telemundo referencing NBC News.
With nearly 40,000 beds available nationwide, the administration of former President Donald Trump initiated the use of the Guantanamo Bay base in Cuba to accommodate up to 30,000 detainees. Notably, the White House announced the first transfer flight to this facility on Tuesday, moving 10 Venezuelans, including alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang.
Currently, ICE is holding approximately 42,000 migrants in custody, despite having an official capacity of 38,521 beds in private and county jails. More than half of those detained were apprehended at the southern border, according to internal data from the Department of Homeland Security obtained by CBS News.
The surge in detentions, driven by immigration operations in cities such as Chicago and New York, has intensified pressure on ICE, which is facing legal constraints that prohibit indefinite detention. This has resulted in the release of some individuals arrested in raids due to insufficient space to hold them until deportation.
ICE routinely shares arrest figures on the social network X but does not specify how many migrants remain detained or have been deported. An agency spokesperson acknowledged that legal restrictions prevent prolonged detention when the migrants' home countries refuse repatriation, compelling ICE to release some individuals, as also highlighted by Telemundo.
Key Issues Surrounding ICE Detention Overcrowding
What is causing the overcrowding in ICE detention centers?
The overcrowding is primarily due to an increase in migrant detentions, particularly at the U.S. southern border and through immigration operations in major cities like Chicago and New York.
How is ICE addressing the issue of overcrowding?
ICE has resorted to releasing some detainees under monitoring programs within the U.S. and has also started using Guantanamo Bay to house additional detainees.
What legal challenges does ICE face regarding detention?
ICE faces judicial restrictions that prevent the indefinite detention of migrants, especially when their home countries do not accept their repatriation.