With only months left for the Barack Obama Presidency, immigrant advocates against the use of family detention express concern that the controversial policy surrounding two immigration holding centers to the south of San Antonio are being expanded by his administration.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement had indicated a desire to cut the large-scale detention of families of immigrants. The policy started in 2014, following the influx of Central American families illegally crossing the border. Recently, the contract to operate the Dilley detention center, capable of housing 2400 people, was extended until 2021. Last week, ICE also announced that it is now reviewing proposals to extend the holding capacity for another 2500 immigrants.
The Dilley Center and the Karnes County facility have long faced criticism from immigrant advocates. They claim that most of the Central American immigrants are mothers and children fleeing gang violence in their home countries, and are, therefore, entitled to claim asylum in the US. Advocates are dismayed by the ICE announcement to expand the facilities after a recommendation to end the practice by a panel set up by Jeh Johnson, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The Migrant Rights and Justice Program director for the Women’s Refugee Commission, Michele Brane, says that the decision is odd and difficult to explain given that a new President will soon be elected and will likely want to do things in their own way.