ICE to Close Two Detention Centers

[The Patriot]

ICE to Close Two Detention Centers

05-20-2021 02:08 PM

Secretary Mayorkas*will*continue to review detention facilities and*health and*safety*standards*

WASHINGTON*–*Today,*Secretary*of Homeland Security*Alejandro*N.*Mayorkas*directed*U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)*to*discontinue use of the C. Carlos*Carreiro*Immigration Detention Center*in*North Dartmouth, Massachusetts*by*transferring the remaining detained noncitizens out of the facility and*terminating the*Intergovernmental Services Agreement*with the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office*(BCSO)*and*the 287(g) agreement with the*BCSO that is no longer operationally needed.*

In a memo to*ICE Acting Director Tae Johnson, Secretary Mayorkas stated, “Allow me to state one foundational principle:* we will not tolerate the mistreatment of individuals in civil immigration detention or substandard conditions of detention.”*

Secretary Mayorkas also instructed Acting Director Johnson to prepare to discontinue the use of the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia as soon as possible and consistent with any legal obligations.* The preparations will include preservation of evidence for ongoing investigations, relocation of ICE personnel if necessary, and the transfer of detained noncitizens whose continued detention remains necessary to achieve our national security, public safety, and border security mission.****

“We have an obligation to make lasting improvements to our civil immigration detention system,”*said*Secretary Mayorkas.**“This marks*an important first step to realizing that goal.**DHS detention facilities and the treatment of individuals in those facilities will be held to our*health and safety*standards.* Where we discover they fall short, we will continue to take action as we are doing today.”*****

These actions come following the Secretary’s*ongoing discussions with*the*ICE leadership*and*workforce, subject matter experts,*and a*review of*DHS reports, government accountability reports, and numerous non-governmental*reports.*

“ICE maintains a nationwide system of facilities for holding noncitizens whose detention is statutorily mandated, or who pose a public safety threat or risk of flight,” said*Acting Director Johnson.*“ICE will continue to ensure it has sufficient detention space to hold noncitizens as appropriate.”**

Secretary Mayorkas will continue*to review*concerns with other federal immigration detention centers*and has instructed*DHS*leadership to*provide*updates on*ICE’s*current and potential operational needs, the quality of treatment of detained individuals, the conditions of detention, and other factors relevant to the continued operation of each facility.*

Keywords: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
Topics: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Secretary of Homeland Security

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