Yeslin, just 9, speaks out from inside the Berks Family detention center
Via DreamACTivist.org Yeslin, just 9, speaks out from inside the Berks Family detention center. This 9 year old has spend a year locked up in jail, with her 2 year…
By Fidencio Martinez
Federal Court Ruling Denies Families in Immigration Detention Review of Legality of their Removal
Via Human Rights First August 30, 2016 Federal Court Ruling Denies Families in Immigration Detention Review of Legality of their Removal Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today decried the U.S.…
By Micah Bazant, Part of the Visions From The Inside collaboration. Link: http://visionsfromtheinside.tumblr.com/
Rape victims in family detention threatened with criminal prosecution for reporting
Obama’s Family Detention Policy: Threaten Rape Victims With Criminal Prosecution As originally posted on Amjo Law by Bryan Johnson on June 9, 2016 This is the second part in a series…
Via Grassroots Leadership
A new family detention center in Texas is in the works
"The answer to the family detention crisis is not contracting for new detention camps, regardless of where they are or who operates them. The answer is ending the practice of locking up kids and their moms once and for all.”
By Mata Ruda, Part of the "Visions From The Inside" project. Link: http://visionsfromtheinside.tumblr.com/
Texas opens door to family detention child care licenses under lowered standards
As published on 2/15/16 at Grassroots Leadership (AUSTIN, Texas) — In a quietly announced decision that could set a dangerous precedent for child care in the state, the Texas Health and Human…
#EndFamilyDetention hashtag campaign goes international
This week, the internet saw photos from across the world with the #EndFamilyDetention hashtag go viral. The movement to expose and end the rampant human rights abuses of "family detention."
ICE Leaders: We Will Bring Car Seats to Arrest Families
As originally posted on AmJoLaw n light of the disturbing news that the Obama administration has planned ICE deportation raids against Central American mothers and their young children, here is…
Why licensing of family detention as child care should be opposed
From Virginia Raymond: Here's a webinar hosted yesterday on family detention by the Texas office of the Children's Defense Fund: https://youtu.be/iEOI9bUI4S0 In it, advocate colleagues and I share some of…
Growing #Hutto27 Hunger Strike by Women at Texas Detention Center
Asylum-seeking women report that hunger strike is expanding within the detention center, retaliation continues
Solidarity statement with the #Hutto27 and the growing hunger strike movement
A hunger strike movement is taking place across several immigrant detention centers in the U.S. EndFamilyDetention.com stands in solidarity with the growing number of hunger strikes at all immigrant detention…
Temporary restraining orders issued against family prison camps
On Friday, a Texas State Judge granted a temporary restraining order preventing the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TFPS) from granting child care facility licenses to family prison camps in Dilley…
Child care licenses for ICE detention centers?
On September 3, the state issued an emergency rule allowing ICE detention centers, and detention centers run for ICE, to apply for “child care” licenses WITHOUT MEETING NORMAL CHILD CARE STANDARDS.
Refugees and Migrants in the U.S.: Families and Unaccompanied Children (Report)
The following is a report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights regarding the state of families and unaccompanied children refugees and migrants imprisoned in the U.S.
MISSION, TX - JULY 24: Undocumented immigrants on July 24, 2014 in Mission, Texas. Tens of thousands of immigrants, many of them minors, have crossed illegally into the United States this year, causing a humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border. Texas Governor Rick Perry announced that he will send 1,000 National Guard troops to help stem the flow. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Why Are Immigrant Mothers Wearing Ankle Monitors?
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/229764978" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
Anatolia Garcia, who is photographed with an ankle monitor near concrete showing their family members' names, at her home in Irving , Texas on Sept 28, 2011, is trying to fight her deportation along with her husband and three children. (Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News) http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/files/2013/02/AnkleMonitor1.jpg
Shackled “freedom”
Shackled "freedom" is a new series of EndFamilyDetention.com that will document the first-hand experiences of the mothers, families and inside witnesses who will be sharing their stories as they shift from imprisonment in…
Leaked recording: ICE Doctor in Charge of Family Detention Admits to Children Losing Weight
A partial transcript of a 20 minute recording of the meeting, in which health concerns at the now-closed Artesia detention center and the Karnes County Detention Center were discussed.
Univision national report on request to discipline Dilley camp physicians
"Univison national report on our request to discipline physicians at the Dilley children jail." via Amoachi & Johnson, Attorneys at Law, PLLC Texas DFPS: Children in ICE detention have no protection.…
A doctor putting money in his pocket isolated on white background
Our Request: Discipline Physicians at Dilley Children Jail
Physicians are supposed to improve the health of their patients. The physicians at the STFRC are worsening the health of their children patients by stating to ICE and the world that they are medically cleared for detention. Children can never be medically cleared for detention. In our client’s case, actions of the doctors were so far below the standard of adequate medical care that it resulted in the child suffering extreme physical and mental pain for nearly 3 months.
prison doctor
Time to name names: Physicians who keep the family detention machine running
The below list was obtained from the names of physicians on a clients’ medical record and search results on the Texas State Medical Board public search tool.
Increasing problems with access to lawyers at the Dilley concentration camp
AILA member and CARA volunteer Kim Hunter shares the latest access to counsel issues in Dilley and how it affects detainees' cases in this Quicktake.
Mothers Released from Family Detention Urge President Obama to NOT APPEAL Judge’s Decision
Letter from formerly detained moms to President Obama
Refugee Families Deserve Real Freedom: NO to REFORMS, BONDS, DEGRADING ANKLE MONITORS AND AGGRESSIVE MONITORING BY ICE
For Immediate Release: July 31, 2015 Human Rights Alliance for Children and Refugee Families www.refugeerightsnow.com Refugee Families Deserve Real Freedom: NO to REFORMS, BONDS, DEGRADING ANKLE MONITORS AND AGGRESSIVE MONITORING…
10 Women File Complaint: Victims of Medical Neglect in Family Detention Camps
10 Women File Complaint: Victims of Medical Neglect in Family Detention Camps by Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services
Progressive Caucus, Judiciary Dems Hold Forum Hearing on Family Detention
Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream WASHINGTON, DC – On July 28th, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, along with Democratic Members of the House Judiciary Committee and support from the Congressional…
American Academy of Pediatrics letter on family detention
July 24, 2015 The Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20528 Dear Secretary Johnson: On behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics…
Family Detention & the Flores Settlement Agreement
Backgrounder on the Flores Litigation and the July 24, 2015 Court Order Compelling the Government to Comply
#EndFamilyDetention and “out”carceration
Detention of refugee women and children over the last thirteen or fourteen months at Artesia, Berks, Karnes, and Dilley was immoral, unconstitutional, a violation of international law, contrary to the…
By Charles Reed, US ICE
Judge rules against family detention policy
WASHINGTON: A federal judge ruled Friday night that the Obama administration can no longer lock up children with their mothers who say they're fleeing violence in their home countries.
Lilian Oliva Bardales by Magdiel Correa Midence - McClatchy
Federal officials investigate deportation of teen mom who attempted suicide
Lilian Oliva Bardales, 19, was deported to Honduras six days after she shut herself in a bathroom of a Texas family detention center and cut her wrist. In her last week at the Karnes County Residential Center, she said she was taken from her young son, stripped naked in front of screaming staffers, put into isolation and then, back with her son, hidden at a hotel before being removed from the country.
To DOJ: Investigate DHS officials for Federal Crime of Conspiracy Against Rights in Family Detention
REQUEST TO DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: Investigate DHS for federal crimes of Conspiracy Against Rights; Kidnapping; and Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law Against Lilian Oliva Bardales and her 4-year-old son in Family Detention.
Lawyer threatened with contempt for leaking family detention documents
"Johnson, a former consultant to immigration attorneys negotiating with government officials on behalf of the detained mothers and children, was terminated from the role shortly after he leaked to McClatchy a copy of the court’s confidential draft ruling, which concluded that the Obama’s administration’s rapid increase of family detention centers violates parts of a 1997 settlement on migrant children."
Jeh Johnson
Under pressure, Homeland Security announces changes to family detention policies
In a press released dated Wednesday, June 24, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson announced a few changes to ICE's policy on family detention. While stating that long-term detention practices will be ceased, family detention will continue along with the human rights abuses that remain a hallmark of corporate for-profit prison systems. For families affected by long-term detention, ransom (bond) will still be required in exchange for certain liberties.
Imprisoned families protest and chant during Congressional tour of “family” detention center
This cell phone video footage was released this week and reveals a protest with numerous imprisoned families chanting "libertad" during a Congressional tour this past Monday, June 22, 2015.
Mothers at Berks Family Detention Camp Launch Work Strike, Demand Not To Be Left Behind
Community members hold press conference in solidarity with mothers who will continue strike until the detention camp is closed
Suicide note from a 19 year old imprisoned at Karnes with her baby - Page 2
Suicide note from a 19-year-old mother imprisoned at Karnes with her baby
"Lilian Oliva, 19, was discovered in a family detention center bathroom bleeding from cuts to her wrist. The Obama administration revived the controversial practice of family detention after tens of thousands of mothers and children fled Central America last year."
Texas DFPS: Children in ICE detention have no protection
"In this response to our request to shut down the South Texas Family Residential Center (STFRC), Commissioner of Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services responded that his agency has no authority to protect children detained there."
House Democratic Members Call for End to Family Detention Program
"A growing number of House Democrats, alongside former detainees and legal advocates, will call on the Department of Homeland Security to end its immigrant family detention program in a press…
President Obama, Deception Will Not Work: It’s Time to End Family Detention
ICE's new guidelines are the latest phase in their public relations campaign to deceive the public about the harsh realities of incarcerating women and children who should never have been detained in the first place.
Emergency message from mother and sick 5 year old daughter inside Karnes concentration camp
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/205972184" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /] via RaicesTexasMedia: "I have a problem here in immigration [Karnes Detention Camp] right now just because I went outside to ask for a…
Letter from #KarnesMoms reaches President Obama, #24hrsfast in solidarity begins nationwide to #EndFamilyDetention
On Monday, May 11, 2015, activists and family members of detained women and children met with the office of President Obama to deliver a letter urging him to free families from…
Letter from #KarnesMoms to President Obama to #EndFamilyDetention
"We ask that you free us and grant us refuge. Please give us a chance to demonstrate to you that we are honest, responsible, and hardworking mothers. We want our children in the future to be men and women who benefit society, but we need your help."
Pictures from the May 2 #EndFamilyDetention Protest in Dilley TX
Featured image by Melissa Biggs [View the story "#EndFamilyDetention Protest in Dilley TX" on Storify]
Lawsuit on behalf of mothers, children at Karnes who were placed in solitary confinement
A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the mothers and children imprisoned at the Karnes detention camp. "Attached is a copy of a retaliation complaint filed this afternoon. The…
ACLU letter to ICE Director Sarah Saldaña
"We have also received reports that, in response to the protest, DHS Immigration Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) held several women alleged to have instigated the strike—and their children—in isolation in the Karnes medical infirmary and also threatened to separate the mothers from their children."
End Family Detention Public Service Announcement Video
This public service announcement video is available in English and Spanish and is intended to raise awareness and call for an end to family detention. The following statements are by women who are imprisoned with their children in the Karnes Detention camp in Texas.
Letter from mothers/families imprisoned at Berks family detention camp
"Following in the footsteps of the brave women at the Karnes prison in Texas, yesterday 17 mothers imprisoned at the Berks detention center in Pennsylvania demanded their release in a…
Hunger strike is a conscience call to end family detention
This second phase of protest by a group of 15 -20 mothers comes on the heels of a Holy Week hunger strike in which they released a document signed by 74 women demanding their freedom and rebutting the argument being made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that they and their children are a threat to national security of the United States.
Letter from 21 imprisoned mothers and families to ICE Director Sarah Saldana
"Our children do not deserve to be imprisoned for so much time. We left our countries fleeing from violence and we came seeking refuge and protection; but we arrived at this place that has now taken our freedom."
Congressman Joaquin Castro addresses harassment by ICE
In a letter dated April 15, 2015, Congressman Joaquin Castro addresses the harassment by ICE of a volunteer delivering water to refugee mothers and children imprisoned at the Karnes concentration camp…
ICE Director Sarah Saldana denies knowledge of hunger strike
During a Congressional hearing Congressman Hank Jonhnson questioned ICE Director Sarah Saldana on why Delmy was put in isolation with her 11 year old son.
Leaked report by ICE/GEO alleges “insurrection” and attempted communication with helicopters by women and children inside the Karnes detention camp
This disciplinary report from the Karnes detention camp recently surfaced and reveals an odd twist of events and accusations: that the women fasting inside the Karnes prison with their children were…
el ayuno * la huelga * the fast * the strike
April 6, 2015 We mothers who are detained in Karnes County Residential Center began a hunger strike on March 30 asking for freedom, for justice. This strike began because all…
Southwest Workers’ Union in solidarity with the mothers at Karnes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2015 Southwest Workers’ Union (SWU) stands in solidarity with the 78 mujeres, and mothers at Karnes County Residential Center in Texas; a facility privately run…
University of Texas faculty letter to end Dilley detention camp
December 5, 2014 William Powers, Jr. President The University of Texas at Austin Office of the President 110 Inner Campus Drive, Stop G3400 Austin, Texas 78712-3400 Dear President…
ICE harasses volunteer for delivering water to mothers fasting at the Karnes detention camp
"I am sharing a letter I have sent to Congressman Castro that explained a terrifying incident that happened after I volunteered to deliver bottled water to the fasting women at Karnes Detention Center this past Tuesday. Please read and share with others to spread the word in support of the women and their immediate release and that their human rights be honored."
Detention Watch Network Calls on President Obama to Release Mothers and Children as Conditions at Karnes Detention Camp Deteriorate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, 02 April 2015CONTACT: Brett Abrams : 516-841-1105 : [email protected] Detention Watch Network Calls on President Obama to Release Mothers and Children as Conditions at Karnes Detention…
The American Bar Association speaks out
"As President of the American Bar Association, I write to express the Association’s concerns about recent policies and practices that have significantly expanded immigration detention, particularly impacting women and children…
Christian, Catholic, Lutheran, and Jewish leaders call for an end to detention of families
"As faith leaders representing churches, synagogues, and faith-based organizations in the United States who are deeply committed to upholding this country’s moral leadership to protect children and the sanctity of the family, we call on you to end the harsh policy of family detention and employ alternatives to detention where deemed necessary. We believe this practice to be inhumane and harmful to the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of this vulnerable population."
BREAKING: Women in Karnes family detention camp start work strike and fast for Holy Week! Demanding freedom!
by Cristina Parker, Grassroots Leadership Click here to sign the petition in support of the women in Karnes! The women detained in the Karnes detention camp in South Texas released…
Protests go nationwide to #EndFamilyDetention
From coast to coast on Tuesday, March 24th people gathered to demand freedom for all refugee families at Karnes and Dilley "family" detention centers. The event coincided with the commemoration of…
Statement by 20 families held at the Karnes family prison in Texas
Receive from us a blessed greeting, we are mothers with our children detained at Karnes Detention Center in the state of Texas, we are families that were detained 8 months…
Mother and son (12)
February 28, 2015 Hello, My name is [redacted], and I came in 2007, but I was caught and was deported, but in that same year, 2007, I again came because…
Mother and daughter
I arrived at this detention center on August 4, 2014. I already have bond for my daughter, and I haven’t been able to leave yet. I’m worried, because my daughter…
Mother (27) and son (10)
My name is [redacted] (A[redacted]); I am 27 years old and I am here with my son [redacted], who is 10 years old. We are from El Salvador and we…
Mother and son (1)
My name is [redacted] and I have a one year old son here where I am being detained for the past seven months. I was detained on July 30, 2014…
Mother (32) and two children
February 26, 2015 I, [redacted] am 32 years old. My number is A# [redacted] . I am with my two children. One is named [redacted] ; her number is A#…
Mother (37) and children (11 and 5)
I [redacted], I am 37 years old. My A number is [redacted]. I have two children. One is 11 years old, A number is [redacted]. And her name is [redacted].…
Mother (33) and children (10, 9 and 3)
2/24/2015 My name is Sonia Elizabeth Hernandez Amaya, 33 years old, Salvadoran, number A [redacted]; mother of Josselyn [redacted], 10 years old, Number A [redacted], Valentin [redacted], 9 years…
Mother (34) and daughters (15, 14 and 11)
I Maria Estela Marquez Marquez: A087591777, am 34 years old, I’m from El Salvador. I am here detained in the State of Texas, Karnes International Center, Karnes City with my…
Mother and daughter (7)
[redacted] A [redacted] [redacted] A [redacted] I entered the United States on July 28th, 2014. I was in the hielera for 9 days. On August 8, 2014 I arrived at…
Mother and son (12)
I am in this institution asking for help because I can’t return to my country. I have been here since August 3, 3/8/2014. I need help because I am worried;…
Mother (39) and daughter (2)
I am [redacted], [born in the] year [redacted], [in] El Salvador. My daughter [is] [redacted], of two and-a-half years [of age], A [redacted]. Through this letter I can say that…
Mother (29) and daughter (2)
I am [redacted], number A [redacted], 29 years old, and I’m Brazilian. My daughter [redacted], number A [redacted], 2 years old is also Brazilian. I request assistance from the community…
Polyane and her daughter
My name is Polyane Soares de Oliveira, 29 years old, number A 200-022-852, and I’m Brazilian. Here with me is my daughter Rhynasa Luisa Duarte, 10 years old, number A…
Homeland Security public information request regarding indigenous women, children and “family units” in custody
Public information request - Indigenous Women, Children, and "Family Units" in Custody at the Karnes County Residential Center (hereafter "Karnes"), the South Texas Family Residential Center (hereafter "Dilley"), and the…
Federal decision is not strong enough ; Reaffirm Commitment To Fight For Families detained in Karnes and Dilley (TX)
Interview with Diego Mancha during the press conference by groups that included Feminists Unite, SAIYM , Attorney Virginia Raymond in front of San Fernando Cathedral. This action was in response to the decision of the federal court (R.I.L.-R. versus Jeh Johnson) that goes against justification by DHS (Department of Homeland Security) to warehouse hundreds of children, women and families in detention centers as a way of deterring further migration. However, it is still not sufficiently strong enough to completely invalidate family detention.
Five reasons to CONTINUE to oppose family detention: Feb 24 declaration of support
We must not only continue, but also escalate, our opposition to family detention for FIVE reasons
Women must speak out against the DHS no-release policy
In 2014, 60,000 women and children refugees fled persecution and violence in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras because of gang violence, domestic and child abuse. They seek asylum here. These…
“Ending Artesia” by Stephen Manning
Please read this stunning report Ending Artesia, by Stephen Manning. Explaining complicated, bizarre, technical legal proceedings with great clarity, this report is compelling. Stephen Manning's writing is beautiful and --…
Resolution calling for release of women & children; end ICE’s no-release policy
Please read and sign this resolution and --- far more importantly -- take it to the groups to which you belong. Ask your group to sign and date the resolution. …
No Asylum: Immigrants Locked Up in U.S. after Fleeing Violence
A look inside America's expanding immigration detention system.
Community response to the family detention center in New Mexico
These are some photos by photographer Gerard Escamilla of the unyielding community response to the family prison in Artesia, New Mexico this past August. Local police called it the "largest protest…
GEO employee speaks AGAINST expansion of Karnes
UPDATE: The Karnes County Commissioners Court voted this week, 3-2, to approve the expansion of the for-profit detention center at 409 Farm-to-Market Road 1144, run by the for profit private…
Fuerza y Fianzas: a proposal for people to support families in a concrete way
The problem The Dilley ICE prison is about to open. There, families – up to 2400 people -- will be incarcerated based on the thinnest and most transparent of irrational…
Credible fear interview
pink “tennis” swing to and fro. she’s wearing zebra stripes and a red top, tiny in the cushy big chair that rolls. long black hair narrows her face, shielding the…
Miguel, 10
This place called a detention center is like a prison for us, because we don’t have freedom, we can’t leave the room without our moms, or go into the room…
Rebeca Paulina
For most people who have entered this place, it’s the start of a new life, but it begins badly, because this Detention Center—that they call a shelter for immigrants—but only…
A drawing by Luis Ramon, a child inside the Karnes “family” prison
A visual testimony of life in Honduras by Luis Ramon, a young child inside the Karnes "family" prison.
Visual testimony of a child from Honduras
This is the visual testimony of a child from Honduras. "Revos locos" means the Mara Salvatrucha in Honduras. "Arma de fuego" means fire arm and "cigarro" is a cigarette.
A letter from Angie, 15
"There are many things that happen in this place called Karnes County Residential Center. There are many good and bad things in this place. Many people call it a…
“Arriving aliens” on a bridge to limbo
Adela Catalina* had plenty of reasons to leave. Forgive me being somewhat vague in the following account, but she still has vulnerable family in her home country, and we may…
Request for Credible Fear Interview for Salvadoran teenager
November 22, 2014 Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Services Houston Asylum Office 16630 Imperial Valley Drive, Suite 200 Houston, Texas 77060 E-mail: [email protected] Dear Asylum Officers, I…
Dear Mr. President: about family detention
November 18, 2014 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, We, the undersigned civil rights and civil liberties, human rights, faith,…
Family Detention Backgrounder
Detention Watch Network (DWN) opposes family detention. The detention of families is inhumane. The United States has failed to maintain detention facilities that comport with basic due process and human…