Immigration - ICE - Detention

Dear [Representative],

ICE reported that its average daily population for fiscal year 2018 was 39,322 people, marking the second year in a row that figure has reached a record high. These detainees are being held in secure detention at a high cost to our national budget and at an even higher cost to the thousands of families who have lost their loved ones and their means of support.

Most of these detainees pose no threat to public safety and are not a flight risk. ICE categorized the majority of incarcerated immigrants — 51% on average — as "non-criminal" and as posing "no threat." An additional 23% were designated as the lowest "Level 1" threat, which typically includes people with nonviolent criminal convictions.

Over the past several months, the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy has significantly increased the rate of immigrant child incarceration. Leaving more than 2,300 children separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border. Many organizations have spoken out against this practice including: The American Medical Association, American Pediatric Association, and American Psychological Association. They clearly state that this policy violates fundamental human rights, causes irreparable harm, and may lead to long-lasting psychological damage and emotional trauma.

I urge you to influence the Department of Homeland Security to increase its use of Alternatives to Detention (ATD), practices that show a 93% rate of appearance and are much less costly to the federal budget.

I also urge greater use of prosecutorial discretion to select undocumented immigrants for deportation. Large scale deportation of immigrants is separating families and creating crises for their children who are US citizens.

As an American, I value fair treatment for all people, as well as security and economic growth. We need more than enforcement-only policies that tear families apart yet do nothing to address systemic issues like the lack of visas and exploitative business practices. Although immigrants are suffering the most, the problems caused by our broken immigration system affect us all.

We need comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the valuable role and rights of immigrants while promoting security and economic recovery.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Address]

[Phone Number]

[Email]