Muslim World Report

The Untold Stories of Immigrant Women in ICE Detention

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Mar 26, 2025 10:20 AM | 11 min read | 2255 words

TL;DR: Immigrant women in ICE detention face inhumane conditions and systemic failures. The current immigration detention system is marked by neglect, poor living conditions, and insufficient medical care, leading to severe mental health issues. Without reform, these policies will continue to jeopardize the lives of vulnerable individuals. Urgent changes are needed to uphold human rights and dignity for all immigrants.

The Crisis in Immigration Detention: Detainees and the System’s Failures

The current state of the U.S. immigration detention system exemplifies a crisis long in the making, one with dire implications for immigrant rights and social justice. A recent visit to the Krome detention facility by immigration attorney Mich Gonzalez exposed the harsh realities faced by detainees, including women who share harrowing stories of their time in confinement.

This facility, overwhelmed by an influx of individuals due to a shift toward more aggressive immigration policies, has become emblematic of a system that is both inhumane and unsustainable. Detainees endure:

  • Poor living conditions
  • Inadequate medical attention
  • Lack of basic necessities

All while being confined in a bureaucratic limbo that delays their fates (Longazel, Berman, & Fleury-Steiner, 2016).

The death of a Ukrainian man in custody on February 20, 2025, highlights the lethal consequences of this mounting crisis. His tragic passing raises critical questions about the treatment of detainees and the moral implications of a system that prioritizes enforcement over humanity. This incident is not an isolated occurrence; it is symptomatic of a broader trend in U.S. immigration practices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly Muslim and other immigrant populations. This underscores a systemic failure to uphold human rights, as the plight of detainees is often overlooked in favor of a narrative centered on national security (Saadi et al., 2020).

As this predicament unfolds, it embodies the interconnected nature of global migration, national security, and human dignity. The U.S. government’s aggressive stance on immigration coincides with a rising tide of authoritarianism globally, particularly in contexts that target Muslim identities (Vogl et al., 2020). It is a stark reminder of how, throughout history, societies grappling with fear and insecurity have often turned to oppressive measures that dehumanize vulnerable populations—much like the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, where fear led to the unjust incarceration of innocent civilians. This situation calls for urgent reform not only within the immigration system but also in the broader discourse surrounding immigration. The current trajectory reveals that many lives—especially the most vulnerable—are increasingly viewed through the lens of national security rather than human rights. What will it take for us to prioritize humanity over fear? Thus, the implications of this crisis reverberate beyond U.S. borders, shaping immigration policies worldwide and influencing perceptions of Islam and Muslims within diverse geopolitical contexts.

What If the Policies Remain Unchanged?

If current immigration policies persist, the consequences will be dire for detainees and society at large. Continued inhumane conditions are likely to lead to:

  • Further loss of life within detention centers
  • Psychological toll on detainees, resulting in long-term mental health issues and trauma

The death of the Ukrainian man is not an isolated incident but rather emblematic of a system that prioritizes enforcement over care. As the backlog of cases grows, immigrants—including women and children—will languish in facilities characterized by neglect and overcrowding (Steel et al., 2004). This situation echoes historical events such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, where fear and exclusion led to long-lasting psychological scars within those communities.

Moreover, the failure to address the humanitarian needs of detainees may provoke public outrage, galvanizing activism against U.S. immigration policies. Social justice organizations may mobilize, bringing international scrutiny to the United States and creating significant diplomatic tensions, especially with nations that perceive these actions as violations of human rights (Mainwaring, 2012). Such tensions could further complicate foreign relations, particularly with countries that have large diasporas affected by these policies, reminiscent of how global reactions shaped U.S. policies during the civil rights movement.

Lastly, the continuation of these policies may deepen the rift between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Distrust in governmental institutions can lead to decreased cooperation in public safety and undermine community resilience. As immigrant populations feel targeted, they may retreat further into isolation, hindering their ability to navigate systems that are already biased against them. If we consider the metaphor of a tightly-woven fabric, each thread represents a community; fraying or pulling out one thread compromises the integrity of the whole. The repercussions of stagnant policies could thus ripple outward, affecting societal cohesion and impeding the social fabric of diverse communities across the nation.

What If Reform Occurs?

Should there emerge a genuine push for reform within the immigration detention system, the implications could be transformative for both detainees and society at large. Comprehensive reforms could lead to:

  • Humane treatment standards within detention facilities, ensuring that the rights and dignity of those held are respected (Pickering & Weber, 2014)
  • The development of oversight mechanisms to monitor conditions, thereby holding authorities accountable for their treatment of detainees

A movement towards reform might also catalyze broader societal discussions about immigration, shifting the narrative from one dominated by fear and criminalization to one focused on humanity and compassion. This reframing could promote a more inclusive approach to immigration, recognizing the vital contributions of immigrants to society. For instance, during the post-World War II era, many countries opened their doors to displaced individuals, which not only enriched their cultural landscapes but also stimulated economic growth through diverse labor forces.

By framing immigration as a human rights issue rather than solely a national security concern, communities may begin to foster environments of support and understanding. Just as the Civil Rights Movement challenged systemic injustices and reshaped public perceptions, a similar awakening around immigration could lead to lasting change.

Additionally, successful reform could enhance public trust in institutions responsible for immigration management. When communities witness improvements in conditions and treatment, it could lead to increased cooperation between immigrant populations and law enforcement. This relationship-building could improve overall community safety and resilience, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. Moreover, a positive reform narrative might inspire similar changes in other countries, leading to a global movement supporting humane immigration practices and reinforcing the importance of human rights. What if this wave of reform inspired a generation to view immigration not as a crisis, but as an opportunity for growth and unity?

The Consequences of Inaction

If current immigration policies remain unchanged, the ramifications will be catastrophic for both detainees and society at large. Continued inhumane conditions will likely foster:

  • Further loss of life within detention centers, as exemplified by the death of the Ukrainian man, highlighting the grim reality reminiscent of the internment camps during World War II, where lives were lost due to neglect and indifference.
  • An environment ripe for psychological trauma among detainees—especially women and children—exacerbating mental health issues that can affect communities for generations (Steel et al., 2004). Just as untreated trauma can ripple through families like a stone thrown into a pond, so too can these experiences resonate throughout entire communities, creating cycles of pain and suffering.

The prevailing attitudes favoring enforcement over humanitarian considerations may lead to increasingly brutal policies that further marginalize already vulnerable groups. The ongoing crisis poses a multi-dimensional threat, where the intersection of migration and national security is exploited to justify the violation of fundamental human rights. Could the stark neglect of the needs of women, children, and the elderly—groups often more susceptible to the deleterious effects of detention—be viewed as a reflection of a society’s values, or lack thereof?

The humanitarian implications extend beyond individual suffering; they have broader consequences for societal stability. As public awareness of these injustices grows, we may witness a surge in activism denouncing immigration policies perceived as oppressive and unjust. This activism can create fissures in society, leading to heightened tensions between immigrant communities and the broader public. Will we choose to confront these injustices and work towards inclusive communities, or will we allow societal discord to deepen, complicating our ability to address systemic inequalities?

Strategic Approaches for Stakeholders

Addressing the immigration detention crisis requires a collaborative approach involving government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community activists. The U.S. government must take immediate steps to review and revise current immigration policies, aligning them with international human rights standards (Kumar et al., 2012). This should include:

  • A decrease in reliance on detention
  • The exploration of alternatives, such as community-based support systems

Historically, the shift from punitive measures to rehabilitative approaches in criminal justice offers a compelling analogy. Just as the U.S. began to recognize the ineffectiveness of mass incarceration and shifted towards policies that prioritize rehabilitation, a similar transformation in immigration policy could lead to more humane outcomes. Lawmakers play a critical role in advocating for legislative reforms that prioritize the rights of detainees. This could involve introducing bills that promote:

  • Transparency
  • Mandating regular inspections of detention facilities
  • Ensuring legal representation for detainees

Establishing a framework for humane treatment would signal a commitment to upholding human dignity.

Non-profit organizations and community groups must continue to document and share testimonials from detainees, raising public awareness about conditions within these facilities. Legal aid organizations can facilitate access to representation, ensuring detainees’ rights are protected throughout the legal process (Robinson & Santos, 2014). Just as the Civil Rights Movement once relied on grassroots advocacy to highlight injustices and mobilize support for change, contemporary movements must amplify their voices to create a more substantial impact, fostering a culture of advocacy and solidarity that exerts pressure on elected officials to act.

International stakeholders also have a role in leveraging diplomatic channels to address human rights violations associated with U.S. immigration policies. Engaging in dialogue regarding these issues can be pivotal for reforming the system. By approaching this crisis collaboratively and strategically, stakeholders can work towards a future where justice, dignity, and humanity are upheld for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. What steps are we willing to take to ensure that our policies reflect the values we profess?

The Interconnectedness of Global Migration and Human Rights

As the immigration crisis unfolds, it highlights the interconnectedness of global migration, national security, and human dignity. The U.S. government’s rigorous stance on immigration has coincided with a global resurgence of authoritarianism, particularly targeting Muslim identities (Vogl et al., 2020). This situation is reminiscent of historical patterns seen during the aftermath of World War II when the displacement of millions led to widespread xenophobia and restrictive immigration policies across Europe and beyond. The implications of the current crisis extend well beyond American borders, influencing immigration policies worldwide and affecting perceptions of Islam and Muslims.

The systemic injustices faced by detainees echo the plight of those in past refugee crises, such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, which serves as a stark reminder of how fear can precipitate grave human rights violations (Wilkinson, 2018). The depiction of immigrants as threats rather than contributors fosters an atmosphere of fear and hostility, one that becomes deeply entrenched in the socio-political fabric of society. How can we reconcile our national security concerns with the fundamental rights of all individuals? Acknowledging the complexities of migration and the rights of every person—regardless of their immigration status—is essential for cultivating a just and humane society.

Conclusion

The current crisis in the U.S. immigration detention system is a manifestation of systemic injustices that demand urgent reform, much like the civil rights movements of the 1960s which sought to dismantle entrenched inequalities. Just as that era prompted a critical re-evaluation of discriminatory policies, we must now confront the challenges posed by the immigration detention system. In 2021, it was reported that approximately 60,000 immigrants were held in detention at any given time, often under conditions that violate basic human rights (American Civil Liberties Union, 2021). As public discourse shifts toward human rights and humane treatment, it is vital to recognize the interconnectedness of these issues globally. Are we, as a society, prepared to stand on the right side of history? This moment calls for a renewed commitment to justice and dignity for all, drawing parallels from past struggles to guide our path forward.

References

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Kumar, M., Massagé, I., & McDonald, K. (2012). Lawyers’ Intervention at Pretrial Stage Helps to Prevent Torture, Illegal Detention and Other Human Rights Violations: Experiences of Advocacy Forum-Nepal. Journal of Human Rights Practice, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.1093/jhuman/hus010

Longazel, J., Berman, J., & Fleury-Steiner, B. (2016). The pains of immigrant imprisonment. Sociology Compass, 10(12). https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.12434

Mainwaring, Ċ. (2012). Constructing a Crisis: the Role of Immigration Detention in Malta. Population Space and Place, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/psp.1721

Pickering, S., & Weber, L. (2014). New Deterrence Scripts in Australia’s Rejuvenated Offshore Detention Regime for Asylum Seekers. Law & Social Inquiry, 39(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/lsi.12088

Robinson, W. I., & Santos, X. (2014). Global Capitalism, Immigrant Labor, and the Struggle for Justice. Class Race Corporate Power, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.25148/crcp.2.3.16092122

Saadi, A., De Trinidad Young, M.-E., Patler, C., Estrada, J. L., & Venters, H. (2020). Understanding US Immigration Detention: Reaffirming Rights and Addressing Social-Structural Determinants of Health. Health and Human Rights, 22(1).

Steel, Z., Momartin, S., Bateman, C., Hafshejani, A., Dudley, M., Newman, L., Blick, B., Mares, S. (2004). Psychiatric status of asylum seeker families held for a protracted period in a remote detention centre in Australia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 28(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-842x.2004.tb00042.x

Wilkinson, B. (2018). Human rights violations in immigration detention: A critical exploration. Criminal Justice, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1466802505057715

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