ICE unveils humane detention centers for immigrants

Illegal immigrants in the country are often sent to detention facilities that resemble prisons and many are actually incarcerated in prisons, but the Immigration Customs Enforcement agency promised in 2009 to begin housing these individuals in more humane facilities. Today, the first of these facilities was unveiled in Karnes, Texas.

These immigrants, some of who are applying for asylum aided by immigration attorneys or have outstayed their visas, are treated much like prisoners. They are forced to wear prison jumpsuits, they are locked in barred cells for 23 hours a day and are only given one hour outside. They must speak to their families through Plexiglas and phones.

Immigrants are held in these facilities to assure they make their court appearances and comply with removal orders.

These immigrants who are often awaiting deportation or decision on asylum are treated like hardened criminals, but only 11 percent of them have actually committed a crime other than being in the country illegally.

The new facility has over 600 beds and will allow immigration detainees for freedom to move about unescorted. Detainees will also have more access to recreational activities and physical contact with their families.

Immigration lawyers and advocates question whether building new facilities is enough reform while Conservatives say the administration is coddling these people who break the law.

The only true way for an immigrant to avoid incarceration and eventual deportation is to enlist an immigration attorney to obtain the necessary legal documentations.