Jayapal Wants Dignity for Detained Immigrants

Yesterday, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) introduced the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to reform the immigration detention system. This bill would end the use of private facilities, and calls for the Department of Homeland Security to take over ownership and operation of all detention facilities within three years. It also repeals mandatory detentions and requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish legally enforceable civil detention standards in line with those adopted by the American Bar Association. “The high moral cost of our inhumane immigration detention system is reprehensible. Large, private corporations operating detention centers are profiting off the suffering of men, women and children. We need an overhaul,” said Jayapal. “It’s clear that the Trump administration is dismantling the few protections in place for detained immigrants even as he ramps up enforcement against parents and vulnerable populations. This bill addresses the most egregious problems with our immigration detention system. It’s Congress’ responsibility to step up and pass this bill.” More here.