Migrants face prolonged waits and poor conditions in US detention centers

Reports say migrants are being held for months in U.S. immigration detention centers amid accounts of poor sanitary conditions; agency data show thousands have been in custody at least six months.

Migrants are spending extended periods in U.S. immigration detention centers while advocates and attorneys report poor conditions at some facilities. Rights groups and detainees describe lengthy waits for hearings and difficulty obtaining timely answers about release. Agency data cited in the report show a marked increase in people held for six months or longer. The issue has drawn attention because of recent deaths at one camp and changes in policy that limit releases while cases move through crowded courts. Known details: - ICE data showed thousands of people had been in custody at least six months, with some held for more than two years. - Rights groups and attorneys report poor sanitary and housing conditions at several detention facilities, including a camp at Fort Bliss. - Two migrants died in January at the Fort Bliss camp, as reported by rights groups and local accounts. - A policy shift has generally restricted immigration judges from releasing detainees while deportation cases proceed, contributing to longer stays. - Some detainees who say they want to leave the U.S. report they must see a judge before they can be released from custody. Summary: Prolonged detention has left many migrants waiting months for hearings and legal outcomes, and some who have won protections remain in custody. How agency practices or policies will change in response is undetermined at this time.