How Many Immigration Detention Centers Are Located And Where Are They Situated in Maryland?

As of February 2021, there are three immigration detention centers located in Maryland. These are the Central Maryland Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Jessup, the Howard County Detention Center in Jessup, and the Montgomery County Detention Center in Rockville.

What Is The Purpose Of Immigration Detention Centers And Who Is Typically Held There in Maryland?

The purpose of immigration detention centers in Maryland is to detain individuals who are awaiting a resolution to their immigration status. Individuals held in detention centers are primarily non-citizens who are suspected of being in the U.S. without authorization or who are awaiting deportation proceedings. These individuals may include asylum seekers, immigrants without legal status, and individuals with immigration violations.

Can You Explain The Conditions Within Immigration Detention Centers, Including Access To Medical Care, Legal Representation, And Basic Amenities in Maryland?

Immigration detention centers in Maryland provide immigrants with access to medical care, legal representation, and basic amenities. All detainees have access to medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals. The facilities provide medical screenings within 24 hours of arrival, and access to basic health care services such as immunizations and physical exams. The facilities also offer mental health services, including counseling and crisis intervention.

All detainees have access to legal representation, including opportunities for pro bono assistance. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP) provides legal representation for those who lack funds to hire an attorney. Maryland also has a state-funded pro bono program for immigration detainees, available through the Maryland State Bar Association.

The facilities also provide basic amenities such as meals, laundry services, and recreational activities. Detainees receive three meals a day, as well as snacks and drinks. They also receive access to recreational activities such as board games, books, magazines, and television. The facilities also provide inmates with access to hygiene products such as soap and toiletries.

How Are Immigration Detention Centers Funded And Operated? Are They Managed By Private Companies Or Government Agencies in Maryland?

Immigration detention centers in Maryland are funded and operated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The centers are managed by government agencies, not private companies.

What Role Does The State Government Play In Overseeing And Regulating Immigration Detention Centers Within Its Jurisdiction in Maryland?

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) has the authority to regulate immigration detention centers within its jurisdiction. State regulations require that all detention centers must be inspected at least semiannually by the DPSCS and by the Office of Immigration Detention Facility Inspections, which is part of the Maryland Office of Children, Youth, and Families. The inspections ensure that detention centers are meeting health and safety requirements, including providing access to medical care, food, water, and sanitation. In addition, the DPSCS is responsible for ensuring that all immigration detainees are treated humanely and with respect while in detention. The DPSCS also has the authority to investigate any complaints about immigration detention center conditions or staff conduct.

Are There Any Local Or State-Level Policies That Impact The Operations Of Immigration Detention Centers in Maryland?

Yes, there are several local and state-level policies that impact the operations of immigration detention centers in Maryland. These include a provision in the Maryland Code of Public Safety, which prohibits the detention of immigrants who are not charged with a criminal offense; the Maryland Trust Act, which prohibits state law enforcement agencies from honoring voluntary ICE detainers; and the Maryland Detainer Law, which limits the length of time detainees can be held in ICE custody without a judicial warrant. Additionally, Maryland recently passed the Dignity Not Detention Act of 2021, which places additional restrictions on private detention centers.

How Do Immigration Detention Centers Handle The Release Of Detainees, Either Due To Bond, Parole, Or Other Legal Processes in Maryland?

In Maryland, immigration detention centers handle the release of detainees by working with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE is responsible for the detention and release of non-citizens in Maryland. Depending on the specific case, a detainee may be released on bond, parole, or an alternative legal process. Generally, when a detainee is released from an immigration detention center they are required to report to an ICE office in order to be monitored and tracked in accordance with the terms of their release.

Can You Provide Information About The Average Length Of Stay For Individuals Held In Immigration Detention Centers in Maryland?

The average length of stay for individuals held in immigration detention centers in Maryland is 13 days. This is based on a report from the Center for Migration Studies which found that the average length of stay for individuals in an ICE detention center in Maryland was 13 days.

Are There Any Advocacy Or Community Groups That Monitor And Raise Awareness About Conditions In Immigration Detention Centers in Maryland?

Yes, there are several advocacy and community groups in Maryland that monitor conditions in immigration detention centers and raise awareness of the issue. These groups include Detention Watch Network, United We Dream, CASA de Maryland, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Maryland, Immigrant Rights Coalition (IRC), Maryland Immigration and Refugee Coalition (MIRC), and We Belong Together.

How Does The Presence Of Immigration Detention Centers Impact Local Communities, Including Economic And Social Dynamics in Maryland?

The presence of immigration detention centers in Maryland has had a significant impact on local communities. Economically, these detention centers have been a detriment to communities in the state. They often require public funds to be allocated to their construction and maintenance, taking money away from other community needs. Further, they reduce economic output, as the thousands of detainees are unable to contribute to the economy by working or purchasing goods and services.

Socially, the presence of detention centers can be extremely damaging for immigrant communities. The fear of being detained and separated from family and friends can lead to further isolation and mistrust of local government. Additionally, these centers often have little to no transparency or accountability for their practices, leading to concerns about mistreatment and abuse. This lack of trust can have lasting impacts on immigrant communities as well as on inter-ethnic/racial relations in the state.

Can Local Or State-Level Law Enforcement Agencies Enter Or Collaborate With Immigration Detention Centers For Any Purposes in Maryland?

No, local or state-level law enforcement agencies in Maryland cannot enter or collaborate with immigration detention centers for any purposes. Maryland state law prohibits state and local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement activities, including those related to immigration detention centers. The law also prohibits law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements with federal immigration agencies that would allow them to participate in immigration enforcement activities.

What Resources Or Services Are Available To Detainees In Immigration Facilities, Especially Legal Aid And Support For Asylum Seekers in Maryland?

In Maryland, there are several resources and services available to detainees in immigration facilities.

The first is the Maryland Immigrant Legal Assistance Project (MILAP), which provides free legal services to detained immigrants. MILAP provides legal assistance to individuals facing removal proceedings and to those seeking asylum protection. MILAP also provides education on immigration law and advocates for humane reforms of the immigration system.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland (ACLU-MD) also provides legal assistance to detained immigrants, including adjudication of asylum cases, appeals, bond hearings, and more. The organization also runs a hotline for people in need of help.

In addition, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) provides legal representation to refugees and other vulnerable immigrants at the Center for Immigration Studies in Baltimore. IRAP’s attorneys are experienced lawyers who provide free legal advice, representation, and advocacy services.

Finally, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) works to provide humanitarian relief and legal services to refugees, asylees, and other immigrants in Maryland. RAICES offers support to asylum seekers, including legal advice and representation in bond proceedings.

Can Individuals Or Organizations Volunteer Or Provide Assistance To Detainees In Immigration Facilities in Maryland?

Yes, individuals and organizations can volunteer or provide assistance to detainees in immigration facilities in Maryland. Organizations such as the Maryland Detention Project and the American Immigration Council offer pro bono legal assistance, educational services, and language assistance to immigrant detainees. In addition, volunteers can provide care packages and comfort items to detainees, host English language classes, and provide support through visitation.

Are There Any Alternatives To Detention Programs Implemented As An Alternative To Holding Individuals In Immigration Detention Centers in Maryland?

Yes, there are a few alternatives to detention programs being implemented in Maryland as an alternative to holding individuals in immigration detention centers. These include community-based supports, such as Social Navigators program, and the Maryland Unaccompanied Minors Initiative, both of which are administered by the International Rescue Committee in Silver Spring. Additionally, Catholic Charities in Baltimore offers the Alternatives to Detention program for unaccompanied children. These programs provide immigrants with assistance in obtaining legal representation and other services, such as housing, medical care, and educational assistance.

Can Detainees Access Communication With Family Members, Legal Representatives, And Other Individuals While In Immigration Detention in Maryland?

Yes. Detainees in Immigration Detention in Maryland are allowed to access communication with family members, legal representatives, and other individuals while in detention. This access includes telephone calls, remote video visits, and mail delivery. Detainees have the right to communicate with family members, legal representatives, and other individuals, as long as they are able to pay for the cost of these services. Detainees also have the right to file grievances or complaints with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) while in detention.

How Does The State Government Ensure That The Rights And Well-Being Of Detainees Are Upheld Within Immigration Detention Centers in Maryland?

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is responsible for the oversight of immigration detention centers in Maryland. DPSCS has implemented standards and procedures to ensure that the rights and well-being of detainees are upheld. Among these standards are:

• Providing detainees with access to medical care, including mental health services;
• Requiring detention staff to receive training in cultural diversity, non-discrimination, and awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity;
• Requiring the provision of appropriate food, clothing, bedding, and recreational opportunities;
• Developing policies and procedures for screening for potential victims of human trafficking;
• Ensuring secure visitation rights for family, friends, and legal representatives;
• Providing access to telephones for stress relief and maintaining personal contacts;
• Requiring regular inspections of the facilities;
• Establishing grievance procedures for detainees; and
• Establishing a system for monitoring transfers and releases from the facilities.

What Procedures Are In Place To Address Complaints, Grievances, And Allegations Of Mistreatment Within Immigration Detention Centers in Maryland?

1. Internal Complaint Resolution Process: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has established a comprehensive internal complaint resolution process for individuals detained in Maryland immigration detention centers. This process enables detained individuals to file complaints related to abuse or mistreatment they may be experiencing. ICE also has established an Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) which is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints of misconduct related to detention operations.

2. Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties: On the national level, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) is responsible for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints pertaining to civil rights and civil liberties violations within immigration detention facilities. The CRCL also offers guidance to ICE facilities on how best to address civil rights and civil liberties complaints.

3. Detention Oversight: The DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) oversees and evaluates the effectiveness of ICE’s detention operations, including the conditions in which detained individuals are held. The OIG is also responsible for reviewing complaints and allegations of abuse or mistreatment in immigration detention centers.

4. Court Advocacy: Detained individuals may pursue court advocacy by filing a habeas corpus petition, which is a request for a court order requiring the government to show cause as to why an individual is being detained. In addition, immigration advocacy organizations providing legal assistance in Maryland may provide assistance with filing a habeas corpus petition or other legal remedies for detained individuals facing mistreatment or abuse in immigration detention centers.

Can Detainees Be Transferred Between Different Immigration Detention Centers, And How Is This Process Regulated in Maryland?

In Maryland, detainees may be transferred between different immigration detention centers, although this is regulated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws. The transfer of detainees is regulated by the ICE Performance-Based National Detention Standards, which serve as guidelines for all ICE detention centers. The standards ensure that all detainees transferred between centers are treated humanely and with respect. Generally, a detainee’s transfer will take into consideration such factors as their health and safety, risk of flight, and the availability of programs and services in the new location. In addition, any decision to transfer a detainee will be made in consultation with the detainee’s attorney of record and the detainee must be informed of the decision to transfer.

How Does The Federal Government And State-Level Agencies Collaborate Or Interact With Regard To Immigration Detention Centers in Maryland?

The federal government and state-level agencies collaborate and interact with regard to immigration detention centers in Maryland through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These MOUs are agreements between the federal government and state-level agencies, such as the Maryland Department of Corrections (MDOC) and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), on the implementation of detention for immigration purposes. The agreements outline how the state-level agency will provide detention facilities, support services, and personnel to assist with the federal government’s enforcement efforts. The agreements also provide guidelines for managing detention centers, including staffing requirements, detainee intake and release procedures, and monitoring and reporting requirements. Additionally, MDOC participates in the Warrant Service Officers (WSO) program, which allows local law enforcement agencies to serve federal immigration warrants.

Where Can Concerned Individuals, Advocacy Groups, And Communities Access Accurate And Up-To-Date Information About Immigration Detention Centers And Facilities in Maryland?

Concerned individuals, advocacy groups, and communities can access accurate and up-to-date information about immigration detention centers and facilities in Maryland from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. The website provides detailed information on the various detention centers and facilities in the state, including contact information, facility capacities, and visitation procedures. Additionally, advocacy groups such as the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and the Maryland Immigration Legal Resource Center (MILRC) provide resources and support for those impacted by immigration detention in Maryland.