Pressroom

Our latest press releases on important news and events relating to immigration detention in the United States

For media inquiries contact: media@detentionwatchnetwork.org

The number of people in detention is at the highest level under the Biden administration at over 35K

September 27, 2023

Washington, DC – This week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released its latest data on the number of people in its custody, which reported 35,589 people are currently in ICE detention, an eight percent increase from 32,743 people that was reported on August 31.

In response to the alarming growth of people in ICE detention, Silky Shah, Executive Director of Detention Watch Network issued the following statement:

Community Presses for Permanent Closure of Prison As Operations at Farmville ICE Detention Center Extend Until September 30th

September 25, 2023

Farmville, Virginia - On September 15th, while protesters demanded the closure of ICA-Farmville in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., local town officials signed a two-week contract extension behind closed doors to continue detaining people in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center until September 30th.

Actions Across 15+ Cities Demand President Biden Shut Down Detention Centers, Release All People in Immigration Detention, and End Deportations!

September 15, 2023

Washington, DC — Today, advocates gathered in 15+ cities, including in Washington, DC as part of a national day of action demanding the Biden administration shut down all detention centers, release all people in detention, and end deportations. Partners in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region used this opportunity to call on President Biden to shut down the ICA operated Farmville detention center, one of two remaining detention centers in Virginia, whose contract was set to expire on the same day.

Activists Turn Up Pressure on President Biden Following Court Decision Betraying New Jersey Detention Ban

August 29, 2023

New Jersey - Today, U.S. Federal Judge Robert Kirsch granted a preliminary injunction against New Jersey’s immigration detention ban to private prison corporation CoreCivic. CoreCivic and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)'s contract would have originally ceased operations at the Elizabeth Detention Center on August 31, 2023, this Thursday. But following today's ruling in a case brought by CoreCivic earlier this year, the contract is now expected to extend for an additional 12 months.

One Month Until Expiration: Advocates Demand the Biden Administration End Contract of ICA-Farmville Detention Center in Virginia

August 15, 2023

Farmville, Virginia-  On September 15, 2023, a contract between Immigration Centers of America (ICA)-Farmville Detention Center and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will expire, and with four weeks left,  advocates are turning up the pressure on President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, and ICE Executive Associate Director Staci Barrera to stop the renewal of the contract and shut down the facility for good.

DWN Statement in Solidarity with the Stop Cop City Movement

July 20, 2023

*En español más abajo*

Detention Watch Network offers this statement in solidarity with the Stop Cop City movement. As a coalition, we seek to abolish the inhumane and unnecessary immigration detention system. We understand that institutions of policing, military operations, jails, prisons, and detention facilities are interconnected, within the United States and globally. We will not tolerate attempts to expand any of these violent institutions and instead demand that we divest from these cruel systems and invest in the wellness of our communities.

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