ICE's detention system has documented abuses, unsafe conditions, and a lack of oversight. Last year, ICE identified at least nine facilities that require immediate closure or downsizing due to egregious violations. Expanding this system would endanger the lives and safety of thousands of immigrants and cost taxpayers millions. Currently, ICE receives $2.8 billion (about $9 per person in the US) in funding to detain approximately 34,000 people daily. However, the agency is already detaining around 39,000 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden), regularly overspending its congressionally approved budget. It is irresponsible for Congress to reward ICE's disregard for its appropriated funds, especially when the White House's budget requests for FY2023 and FY2024 sought funding for an average of only 25,000 daily detention beds.
The Episcopal Church has long advocated for fair and humane immigration reforms, including providing undocumented individuals a pathway to citizenship. We must push for meaningful, bipartisan immigration reform that upholds our faithful commitment to welcoming new Americans and supporting our neighbors who already contribute to our communities.
We urge Members of Congress to ensure that the FY2024 spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security does not increase funding for ICE detention. Expanding this inhumane system would be a betrayal of our nation's values and a threat to the lives and safety of thousands of immigrants. Now is the time to stand up for compassion, justice, and the dignity of all people.
Contact your representatives today and demand that they protect immigrants and uphold our shared commitment to a more just and welcoming society.
General Convention Resolutions:
2022-D031: Advocate to End Immigrant Detention and Surveillance
2018-A178: Denounce Inhumane Immigration Policies and Advocate on Behalf of Migrants
2018-D029: Condemn Prolonged Solitary Confinement as a Form of Torture
2009-B006: Advocate for Immigration Reform