Last Friday, twelve US senators have addressed a heated letter to the Department of Homeland Security, calling for a reform in its system of detaining immigrants in solitary confinement. They referred to this practice as a “clear violation of international norms,” stating that such treatment of immigrants has seen a notable increase in the recent years,
According to their letter, solitary confinement in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers escalated by 61% between 2022 and 2023. They revealed that ICE officials ordered roughly 14,000 periods in solitary confinement from 2018 to 2023.
These solitude periods entail leaving detainees in cells without human contact for more than 22 hours a day, often for minor infractions such as using profanity. In some cases, it has been used as a response to mental health needs. The senators made reference to Rule 43 of the United Nations’ Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, which prohibit “prolonged solitary confinement”, defined as isolation exceeding 15 days, under all circumstances.
ICE’s operations often spark controversy due to its broad mandate to execute immigration laws within US borders. This includes the identification, arrest, and removal of immigrants present illegally or those who have violated immigration laws. Other areas of ICE’s mandate involve combating human trafficking, smuggling, and preventing terrorism through immigration pathways. Further criticism arises over the detention and deportation of children.
A recent report conducted by Physicians for Human Rights critically noted ICE’s use of solitary confinement. Immigrants detained under such conditions face mental health impacts that range from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to a heightened risk of suicide.
It is clear from the senators’ letter and the supporting evidence that there is a pressing need to address the issue of solitary confinement of immigrant detainees and to bring the practice in line with international norms.