IMMIGRATION LAW & POLICY

Arrest and Detention

Immigration

Employment Issues

Public Benefits

Driver's Licenses

DREAM Act

Search

 

Issue Briefs and Other Resources

KNOW-YOUR-RIGHTS ALERTS & INFORMATION

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Available on the "Community Education Materials" page.
 

NILC Resources

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Protections for Detained Salvadorans after a Worksite Raid (HTML).  Attorneys and legal workers representing persons detained in worksite raids should be aware of two provisions of a permanent injunction that apply nationwide to nationals of El Salvador detained by immigration authorities. [PDF] (See also "Orantes-Hernandez," below.)  (4/08)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Administration Announces Harsh New Immigration Measures (article) and List of announced measures: "Improving Border Security and Immigration Within Existing Law" (Depts. of Homeland Security & Commerce, 8/10/07)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

U.S. Immigration Detention System: Substandard Conditions of Confinement and Ineffective Oversight (NILC and ACLU of So. Calif.: Presentation prepared for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, May 3, 2007) (posted 7/17/07)
 

Resources from other nonprofit organizations

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

U.S. Detention of Asylum Seekers: Seeking Protection, Finding Prison (Human Rights First, April 2009).  (Link posted 5/19/09)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Detained and Dismissed: Women’s Struggles to Obtain Health Care in United States Immigration Detention (Human Rights Watch, Mar. 17, 2009).  78-page report documents dozens of cases in which ICE's medical staff either failed to respond at all to health problems of women in detention or responded only after considerable delays.  (Link posted 5/19/09)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Dying for Decent Care: Bad Medicine in Immigration Custody (Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, Feb. 2009).  Problems include: no independent oversight; delayed and denied care; staff shortages; improper care of mentally ill and physically disabled patients; inadequate access to medical records; inadequate interpretation; cruel and abusive staff behavior; unsanitary and overcrowded facilities; transfer or segregation of detainees in retaliation for medical complaints.  (Link posted 5/19/09)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Jailed Without Justice: Immigration Detention in the USA (Amnesty International, Mar. 2009).  "This report focuses on the human rights violations associated with the dramatic increase in the use of detention by the United States as an immigration enforcement mechanism."  (Link posted 5/19/09)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Unseen Prisoners: A Report on Women in Immigration Detention Facilities in Arizona (Southwest Institute for Research on Women and Bacon Immigration Law and Policy Program, U. of Arizona, Jan. 2009).  Key concerns identified: inadequate medical care, failure to recognize the mental health needs, mixing detainees with people serving criminal sentences, family separation, inadequate access to telephones and legal material, severe penal conditions for women not serving criminal sentences, aggressive prosecution and detention of women who pose no security threat or flight risk.  (Link posted 5/20/09)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Detention and Deportation in the Age of ICE: Immigrants and Human Rights in Massachusetts (ACLU of Massachusetts).  "[T]racks the experience of 40 detained persons through the system of detention set up by [ICE].  The report is the first of its kind to thoroughly document jail conditions and due process issues for immigrants detained in Massachusetts.  A series of personal stories illustrates that in its zeal to deport all deportable persons, ICE tramples on fundamental rights.  In-depth analysis of hundreds of pages of government documents reveals the massive and growing federal presence in our state." (Link posted 12/15/08)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

A Child Alone and Without Papers (Center for Public Policy Priorities).  Reveals what happens to more than 43,000 undocumented, unaccompanied children removed annually from the U.S. and repatriated to their home countries: The U.S. often compromises children's rights, safety, and well-being, contrary to international law and U.S. child welfare standards. (11/08)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Interactive Map of the U.S. Immigration Detention System (Detention Watch Network).  The latest version of DWN's map includes more detention centers, community organizations and immigration courts, in-depth information about facilities and related added media such as photos, videos, articles, and resource links.  The map is user-friendly, with more navigation options than previous versions and a specific page for each detention center. (7/08)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Voices from Detention: A Report on Human Rights Violations at the Northwest Detention Center (Seattle Univ. School of Law International Human Rights Clinic & OneAmerica, 7/08).  Among other problems, the study found:  Violations of attorney-client privilege. | Threats and physical intimidation used to pressure detainees to sign papers. | Mistreatment by guards and federal marshals. | Inadequate medical care. | Inadequate treatment of mentally ill detainees, including refugees who'd been persecuted in their homelands. | Insufficient food and incidents of food poisoning. | Severe overcrowding. | Language barriers.

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Immigration Detention and Removal: A Guide for Detainees and Their Families (Bryan Lonegan and the Immigration Law Unit of the Legal Aid Society) (2/06)
 

Resources from THE U.S. GOVERNMENT

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Tracking and Transfers of Detainees (DHS Office of Inspector General, 3/09).  FROM THE EXEC. SUMMARY: "The Detainee Transfer Notification form was not properly completed for 143 of the 144 transfers we tested. Agency staff interviewed generally considered completing and providing copies of the transfer forms to detainees a low priority. Also the staff interviewed did not know that they were responsible for informing detainees' legal representatives of transfers." (p. 1)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Ensuring Compliance with the ICE Detention Standards: Procedures for Complaints of Noncompliance (U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security document) (3/08)

NEWS ARTICLES

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Naturalized veteran detained by ICE for seven months after serving time for criminal conviction (Scott Fontaine, "American Citizen Held for Seven Months," The News Tribune, 8/19/08).  Rennison Castillo had been assigned two A-numbers at different times, had served in the Army and been naturalized under the first number, and was detained by ICE under the second.
 


Litigation

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Immigration Officials Sued for Holding Detainees in Appalling Conditions at L.A. Detention Facility (Castellano et al. v. Napolitano).  The lawsuit, filed April 1, 2009, charges that ICE detains immigrants in egregious, unsanitary conditions, without soap, drinking water, toothpaste or toothbrushes, sanitary napkins, changes of clothing, or showers.

  • NEWS RELEASE: PDF | HTML

  • Complaint (PDF): Castellano et al. v. Napolitano, No. CV09-2281 (C.D.Cal. filed Apr. 1, 2009).

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Court Denies Federal Officials' Attempt to Evade Responsibility for Medical Neglect that led to Former Immigrant Detainee's Penile Amputation and Death
(Francisco Castaneda v. U.S., 2008 WL 704073 (C.D. Cal. 2008). | Article on website of Public Justice, with links to the complaint and the federal district court's ruling, issued 3/11/08.)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Orantes-Hernandez v. Holder (formerly Orantes-Hernandez v. Gonzales)
The 9th Circuit has affirmed the district court's decision in this case.  The appellate court's decision is available here (PDF).  (4/6/09)


Immigrants' Rights Update Articles (back to IRU index)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Orantes-Hernandez v. Gonzales | Court Upholds Nationwide Injunction of Immigration Detention and Removal Processing Abuses (10/5/07)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Immigration Costs: The Case of the Two Arellanos (10/5/07)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Immigration Detention Centers under the Microscope: Recent Reports Reveal Widespread Violations of the National Detention Standards (7/20/07)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

US-VISIT: Technological Fix Ordered by Congress Stymied for Lack of Know-How, Funds (2/20/07)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Deplorable Immigrant Detention Conditions Detailed (2/20/07)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Orantes-Hernandez v. Gonzales | DHS seeks to dissolve Orantes permanent injunction in order to use expedited removal against Salvadoran class members (12/22/05)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Bill authorizing enforcement of immigration law by state and local authorities introduced in Senate (12/22/05) (posted under "Local Law Enforcement Issues")

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Clark v. Martinez | Supreme Court Rules INA Does Not Authorize Indefinite Detention of Inadmissible Immigrants (2/10/05)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

L.A. County to Enter Limited MOU with ICE to Permit Immigration Enforcement at County Jail (2/10/05)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Orantes-Hernandez v. Ashcroft | District Court Approves Stipulation Clarifying Application of Orantes Injunction to Unaccompanied Minors (11/8/04)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial Dist. Court of Nev., Humboldt Cty. | Supreme Court upholds state law requiring individuals to identify themselves when asked during investigative stop (7/04)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

DHS Issues New Guidance for Treatment of Non–U.S. Citizen Arrestees (5/20/04)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Homeland Security Enhancement Act Provisions Spark Sharp Disagreement (5/20/04)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

US-VISIT: Policy for Correcting Bad Data Leaves Many Questions Unanswered (5/20/04)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

U.S. ICE to Expand to Denver and Atlanta Districts Its Pilot Project to Detain Immigrants at Immigration Court (4/2/04)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Benitez v. Wallis | Supreme Court to Consider Legality of Indefinite Detention of Inadmissible Immigrant (2/17/04)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)  

National Council of La Raza, et al v. Ashcroft | Lawsuit Filed to Enjoin Entry of Immigration Records into FBI's Crime Database (2/17/04 )

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)  

Senate State/Local Immigration Enforcement Bill Goes Further Than House "Clear Act" Bill (12/18/03) (Posted under "Congressional Developments")

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Some Special Registration Requirements Ended, but Program Continues (12/18/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Alabama State Troopers Said to Receive "Clear Authority" in Civil Immigration Enforcement (11/24/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

US-VISIT: "Very Risky" Electronic Entry/Exit System Slated for 2004 Debut (11/24/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Deadlines Approaching for Re-Registration under "Call-In" Special Registration Program (10/21/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

DOJ and DHS Slow to Address Recommendations Prompted by Mishandling of Post-9/11 Immigration Detainees (10/21/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes) 

Armentero v. INS | 9th Circuit Rules That AG and DHS Secretary Are Proper Respondents for Habeas Petition Challenging Immigration Detention (9/4/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

CLEAR Act Introduced: Sweeping Legislation Would Require Local Police to Enforce Immigration Law (9/4/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Center for National Security Studies v. U.S. Department of Justice | DC Circuit Rules Government Properly Withheld Names and Information Concerning Post-9/11 Detainees (7/15/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

OIG Report Criticizes the Government's Treatment of 9/11 Detainees (7/15/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

AG's Precedent Decision Denies Haitian's Release on Bond Based on Generalized National Security Concerns (6/3/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Justice Dept. Order Exempts Crime Database from Accuracy Requirement (6/3/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory Detention (6/3/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Policy to Detain Asylum-Seekers and Apprehend Iraqis Announced (4/8/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Rosales-Garcia v. Holland | 6th Circuit Finds Indefinite Detention of Inadmissible Noncitizens Unlawful (4/8/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

DOJ Expands "Call-in" Special Registration, Grants Extensions of the Registration Periods for All Groups (2/21/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Seattle Adopts Ordinance Preventing Inquiries on Immigration Status (2/21/03)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

DOJ Expands "Call-In" Special Registration to Additional Nationalities (12/23/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Farm Labor Organizing Committee v. Ohio State Highway Patrol | 6th Circuit Upholds Ruling against Ohio Trooper Who Seized Green Cards (11/22/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Policies to Permit Police to Enforce Immigration Law Could Undermine Public Safety, Violate Civil Rights (11/22/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Reyna-Montoya v. Trominski | Texas District Court Grants Habeas and Certifies Class Challenging Mandatory Detention (11/22/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

ABA Publishes New Manuals for INS Detainees (10/21/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

INS Issues Notices and Guidance to Implement Special Registration Requirements for Certain Nonimmigrants (10/21/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

INS and Florida Enter MOU to Allow State Officers to Enforce Immigration Law (9/10/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Xi v. INS | 9th Circuit Rules Indefinite Detention of Inadmissible Noncitizen Unlawful (9/10/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

DOJ Proposes Rules to Monitor Certain Nonimmigrants (7/15/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Demore, District Director, INS v. Kim | Supreme Court to Decide Legality of INS Mandatory Detention (7/15/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

INS Restricts Release of Information about Detainees in Nonfederal Institutions (5/30/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Justice Dept. Contemplates Extending Immigration Enforcement Responsibilities to State and Local Agencies (4/12/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Papa v. INS | 9th Circuit Finds Longer Statute of Limitations Applicable in International Law Case (4/12/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Phu Chan Hoang v. Comfort | 10th Circuit Holds Mandatory Detention Unconstitutional (4/12/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

In Tracking Down "Absconders," DOJ to Target Nationals of Countries Where Al Queda Is Active (2/28/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

INS Reopens Comment Period on Detention Rule for Unaccompanied Minors (2/28/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Patel v. Zemski; Kim v. Ziglar | 3d and 9th Circuits Hold Mandatory Detention Provision Unconstitutional (2/28/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

United States v. Arvizu | Supreme Court Upholds Validity of Border Patrol Stop (2/28/02)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

INS Announces Restructuring Plan (12/20/01)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes) 

INS Issues Interim Rule on Detention under Final Removal Orders (12/20/01)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Justice Dept. Announces Plan to Interview 5,000 Men (12/20/01)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

AG Expands Authority to Segregate Detainees and Monitor Their Communications with Attorneys (11/16/01)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

AG Issues Interim Rule to Expand Use of Automatic Stays of IJ Decisions Ordering Release from Detention (11/16/01)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Antiterrorism Act Expands Detention and Removal Authority, Benefits Immigrants Hurt by Sept. 11 Events (11/16/01)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes) 

INS Issues Rule Expanding Its Authority to Detain Noncitizens without Charge in Response to WTC and Pentagon Attacks (10/8/01)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

INS Supports World Trade Center Recovery Efforts by Pledging Not to Seek or Use Immigration Information Provided to Local Authorities (10/8/01)

whitebal.gif (211 bytes)

Zadvydas v. Davis, et al. | Supreme Court Holds That INA Does Not Authorize Indefinite Detention (8/31/01) (posted under "Judicial Review of Immigration Decisions")

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

BIA: Respondent Subject to Mandatory Detention Even Where INS Did Not Take Custody at Time of Release from Criminal Incarceration (Matter Of Rojas) (6/29/01)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

ABA Announces INS Detention Standards Implementation Initiative (5/10/01)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

CLINIC Project to Monitor Custody Reviews for Indefinitely Detained Immigrants (2/28/01)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

INS Publishes Rules for Detainees Who Have Been Ordered Removed but Cannot Be Repatriated (2/28/01)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

BIA:  Mandatory Detention Not Applicable to Respondent Released Prior to TPCR's Expiration, Despite Later Conviction and Sentence of Probation (Matter of West) (11/28/00)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

Boz v. U.S. | 11th Circuit Rules IIRIRA Permanent Rules Do Not Preclude Habeas Challenge to Detention under Final Order (11/28/00)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

INS Issues New Detention Standards (11/28/00)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

U.S. v. Montero-Camargo | 9th Circuit Rules Hispanic Appearance Not Proper Factor for Finding "Reasonable Suspicion" to Justify Stop (7/26/00)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

In re Nai Meng Saelee | BIA Has Jurisdiction to Hear Appeals of INS Post-Final Order Custody Findings Even Absent Formal Review Request (4/11/00)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

Matter of Adeniji | BIA Rules on Scope of Application of Mandatory Detention under INA § 236(c) (11/17/99)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

INS Issues Field Guidelines Limiting the Application of Mandatory Detention (8/30/99)

whitebal.gif (911 bytes)

In re Joseph | Filing for Automatic Stay with IJ Allows INS to Continue Detaining Alien Pending Appeal (6/30/99)

 

Home | About NILC | Publications | Community Education Materials
Immigrants & Employment | Immigrants & Public Benefits | Immigration Law & Policy
Trainings | Links