Immigration detention is the policy of holding individuals suspected of visa violations, illegal entry, unauthorized arrival, or those subject to deportation and removal until a decision is made by immigration authorities to grant a visa and release them into the community, or to repatriate them to their country of departure. Here are some key points about immigration detention:
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Deprivation of Liberty: Immigration detention involves the deprivation of liberty for migration-related reasons. It can occur when migration authorities first come into contact with a person and are unable to establish their identity or valid migration status.
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International Law: Under international law, immigration detention is only meant to be used as a last resort and where it is necessary, reasonable, and proportionate to a legitimate government objective. It should only be used after non-custodial, community-based alternatives to detention have been explored in each individual case.
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Criticism and Impact: Immigration detention has sparked criticism in various countries due to concerns about the lack of judicial oversight, lengthy bureaucratic delays, and the use of unnecessary detention. The impact of immigration detention is significant, as it affects refugees, asylum-seekers, migrants, and other vulnerable individuals.
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Facilities and Management: In the United States, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) manages the nations civil immigration detention system and oversees detention facilities. The U.S. has the largest immigrant detention infrastructure in the world, detaining hundreds of thousands of people annually.
In summary, immigration detention is a complex and contentious issue with significant implications for individuals and communities. It involves the detention of individuals for migration-related reasons and is subject to international law and criticism regarding its use and impact.
