Private Detention Centers

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The privatization of immigrant detention centers can have detrimental consequences on the legal system and families. The use of private detention centers creates no incentive to end the mass detention of immigrants. Since private detention centers profit of the number of immigrants detained, there is less motivation to release detainees. Furthermore, immigrants are often kept in deplorable conditions within these detention centers. As a result, many immigrants mental health begins to deteriorate. This essay seeks to understand the micro and macro level effects that detention and deportation have on an undocumented immigrant’s family. Mental consequences of detention and deportation One of the micro level effects of privatized detention center …show more content…

Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) has stated that immigrant detention centers would increase revenues for ICE (Ackerman & Furman, 2013). According to the CEO of the GEO group, “‘… those people coming across the border and getting caught are going to have to be detained and that for me, at least I think, there's going to be enhanced opportunities for what we do” (Ackerman & Furman, 2013). Ultimately, the priority for private prisons is profit rather than safety. Private detention centers are tasked with maintaining safety while monitoring costs. Nevertheless, “cost controls come at the expense of quality” (Ackerman & Furman, 2013). Employees at detention centers often earn less than their counterparts and receive less training. Therefore, there is no incentive to maintain a quality environment. In addition, detainees at private prisons are at a greater risk for violent attacks than public prisoners (Ackerman & Furman, 2013). Since, immigrants are a vulnerable population, in detention centers they are at an increased risk for substance abuse and mental health issues. These risks are heightened by a lack of competent mental health specialist. In addition, many employees at for-profit detention centers receive substandard cultural sensitivity training (Ackerman & Furman, 2013. Consequently, employees can misinterpret the behaviors of detained immigrants …show more content…

Detention centers focus on profit rather than well-being. As a result, immigrants are forced to endure harsh conditions and cheap labor. In addition, many immigrants are detained miles away from their families. These conditions begin to take a toll on the immigrant’s psychological health. Instead of detaining undocumented immigrants, the government should find alternative means. Such as the use of ankle monitors for at-risk immigrants. The use of ankle monitors would reduce the number of family separations. In addition, the government would also have a means of locating each undocumented immigrant. Another method of improving immigrant conditions is governmental monitoring of private detention centers. For instance, the use of governmental monitoring would create guidelines for detention centers conduct. This creates a system of checks and balances. Furthermore, governmental monitoring ensures the fair and equal treatment of the immigrant

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