NJ and Pa. Detentions Rise; More Immigrants Held Without Records

The landscape of immigration enforcement in New Jersey and Pennsylvania has changed a lot lately. New government data shows a sharp rise in the number of people detained by ICE.

Much of this increase involves individuals labeled as “non-criminal.” Their only offenses? Civil immigration violations like overstaying a visa or crossing the border without papers.

Let’s dig into the numbers, the growth of detention facilities, and the legal and human impacts. There’s also a lot to say about the troubling conditions inside these centers.

Sharp Rise in ICE Detentions Since Early 2017

ICE detentions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania jumped by about 68% this July compared to the start of Donald Trump’s presidency. The spike isn’t spread out across all groups — it’s mostly due to the rising number of people ICE calls “non-criminal.”

Growth in the Non-Criminal Detainee Population

Back in January, ICE held around 800 people in this group in the two states. By July, that number shot up to nearly 1,900 — a jump of more than 50%.

Now, about two-thirds of all ICE detainees in the region are non-criminals accused solely of immigration violations. That’s a huge shift from just a few years ago.

Expansion of Detention Facilities

ICE has been expanding its capacity to hold detainees right alongside the spike in arrests. The agency now runs seven detention facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, compared to just four in early 2017.

This includes the recently opened Delaney Hall in Newark, which can hold up to 1,000 people. That’s a big addition to the system.

Arrests of Long-Term Residents and Bystanders

Immigration lawyers say more arrests now target long-term U.S. residents with old removal orders. They also report more “collateral arrests,” where bystanders get swept up during enforcement operations.

These tactics have stoked fear in immigrant communities. Honestly, it feels like anyone could get caught up in a raid these days.

Policy Shifts Driving the Increase

Two big policy changes seem to be fueling the surge. First, there were reports of a White House quota of 3,000 arrests per day, which put real pressure on ICE to ramp up enforcement.

Second, on May 15, the Board of Immigration Appeals expanded mandatory detention. That legal shift took away bond hearings for a wider group of detainees, so more people are stuck in custody without a chance to argue for release.

Impact on Legal Defense and Mental Health

Immigration advocates say detention makes it much harder for people to defend themselves. When folks are held far from their communities, it’s tough to gather evidence, find witnesses, or even stay in touch with attorneys.

The mental and emotional toll of indefinite detention can be crushing. Many people give up on even strong asylum claims just to escape prolonged confinement in such harsh conditions.

Harsh Conditions Inside Facilities

Conditions inside some detention centers have drawn sharp criticism. Detainees at Delaney Hall and the Moshannon Valley Processing Center have complained about a lot, including:

• Inadequate medical care
• Extreme cold or heat inside facilities
• Poor quality food
• Limited access to attorneys
• Restricted communication with family

Reports of Abuse and Rights Violations

A memo from the Department of Homeland Security’s civil rights office last year uncovered some troubling allegations at Moshannon Valley. People reported denial of medical treatment, violations of due process, and a lack of translation services for non-English speakers.

These issues really make you wonder if people in ICE custody are getting their basic human rights respected. There’s a lot at stake here, and it’s hard not to worry about what’s happening behind those walls.

Conclusion: A Complex and Escalating Situation

The sharp escalation in ICE detentions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania stands out as a significant moment in U.S. immigration enforcement.

Most of this increase comes from arrests of non-criminals and the expansion of detention facilities. That raises tough questions about what this means for civil liberties and community trust.

Detention numbers keep climbing. Legal systems, advocacy groups, and families feel the pressure as immigration policies shift around them.

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Here is the source article for this story: Immigrant detentions in NJ and Pa. rise as more people without criminal records are held