Detention Centers and Immigration Facilities in Illinois

How Many Immigration Detention Centers Are Located And Where Are They Situated in Illinois?

There are 10 immigration detention centers located in the state of Illinois. These 10 immigration detention centers are located in: Chicago, Broadview, Kankakee, Pembroke Township, McHenry County, Galesburg, Dwight, Geneseo, Carlinville, and Centralia.

What Is The Purpose Of Immigration Detention Centers And Who Is Typically Held There in Illinois?

The purpose of immigration detention centers in Illinois is to hold individuals who have been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for suspected violations of immigration laws. This includes persons who have been apprehended while attempting to enter the country without legal authorization, persons who have overstayed their visas, and persons who have been ordered removed from the country by an immigration judge. The individuals held in these centers are typically non-citizens, including both undocumented immigrants and legal permanent residents.

Can You Explain The Conditions Within Immigration Detention Centers, Including Access To Medical Care, Legal Representation, And Basic Amenities in Illinois?



Immigration detention centers in Illinois are managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These facilities are designed to house individuals awaiting their immigration court hearings. The conditions within an immigration detention center vary depending on the facility itself, but some common aspects of detention include limited access to medical care, legal representation, and basic amenities.

Medical care: Detainees in immigration detention centers have access to medical care, but this can be limited depending on the facilities resources. Detainees may receive general health screenings when they arrive at the facility, and have the ability to request medical services if needed. However, access to specialized medical services, such as mental health or dental care, can be limited.

Legal representation: Detainees in immigration detention centers have the right to legal representation. However, many detainees do not have access to legal services due to language barriers or lack of resources. Detainees may also not be informed of their rights or potential pathways to relief from deportation.

Basic amenities: Detainees in immigration detention centers also have limited access to basic amenities such as bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Access to recreation activities or personal items such as books, writing materials, and clothing may also be limited. In addition, communication with family members can be difficult due to restrictive policies or lack of access to technology.

How Are Immigration Detention Centers Funded And Operated? Are They Managed By Private Companies Or Government Agencies in Illinois?



Immigration detention centers in Illinois are funded and operated by the federal government. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the agency responsible for overseeing immigration detention centers in Illinois. Some of these facilities are managed by private companies, while others are operated directly by ICE.

What Role Does The State Government Play In Overseeing And Regulating Immigration Detention Centers Within Its Jurisdiction in Illinois?

The State of Illinois is responsible for overseeing and regulating immigration detention centers within its jurisdiction. The Office of the Governor has a responsibility to ensure that detained immigrants are treated with fairness and respect, and that their rights are protected. The Illinois Department of Human Rights is responsible for investigating complaints related to discrimination in immigration detention, and the Illinois Department of Corrections is responsible for conducting inspections of all immigration detention centers in the state to ensure compliance with state regulations. In addition, the Illinois General Assembly has enacted a number of laws related to immigration detention, including laws prohibiting discrimination, protecting detained immigrants’ legal rights, and requiring certain minimum standards in all immigration detention centers operating in the state.

Are There Any Local Or State-Level Policies That Impact The Operations Of Immigration Detention Centers in Illinois?

Yes, there are several local and state-level policies that impact the operations of immigration detention centers in Illinois. The Illinois Welcoming Center for Immigrants and Refugees Act (Public Act 099-0891) requires that all public facilities provide access to basic necessities, including food, medical care, and legal services, to immigrants and refugees in detention. In addition, the Illinois Immigration Safe Zones Act (Public Act 099-0890) prohibits state, county, and local law enforcement officers from engaging in certain immigration enforcement activities within public schools, health care facilities, places of worship, and other sensitive locations. Lastly, the Illinois Trust Act (Public Act 099-0889) limits local law enforcement’s ability to make immigration-related arrests and detentions without a judicial warrant.

How Do Immigration Detention Centers Handle The Release Of Detainees, Either Due To Bond, Parole, Or Other Legal Processes in Illinois?

In Illinois, the release of immigration detainees is handled on a case-by-case basis. When detainees are eligible for release, either through bond, parole, or other legal processes, they are typically transferred to an approved third-party custodian who is responsible for ensuring compliance with all conditions of release. This may include reporting regularly to immigration officials or monitoring through an electronic ankle bracelet. In some cases, detainees may be released on their own recognizance with no custodian, although this is rare. In all cases, detainees must comply with all conditions of release and any other applicable laws. If a detainee fails to comply with the conditions of release or violates any laws, they can be taken back into custody and may be subject to further immigration proceedings.

Can You Provide Information About The Average Length Of Stay For Individuals Held In Immigration Detention Centers in Illinois?

According to data from the Illinois Department of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), the average length of stay for individuals held in immigration detention centers in Illinois is 41 days. The average length of stay for individuals held in ICE-contracted beds is slightly higher at 45 days.

Are There Any Advocacy Or Community Groups That Monitor And Raise Awareness About Conditions In Immigration Detention Centers in Illinois?

Yes, there are several advocacy and community groups that monitor and raise awareness about conditions in immigration detention centers in Illinois. These groups include the National Immigrant Justice Center, the American Friends Service Committee, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and the Illinois Detention Watch Network. All of these groups focus on raising awareness about the conditions in immigration detention centers and on advocating for positive changes to be implemented.

How Does The Presence Of Immigration Detention Centers Impact Local Communities, Including Economic And Social Dynamics in Illinois?

The presence of immigration detention centers in Illinois has a significant impact on the local communities, both economically and socially. Economically, the presence of ICE detention centers creates jobs, including those for correctional officers, medical staff, and support workers. However, the costs associated with providing services for detainees in these facilities can be a financial burden for both local governments and taxpayers.

Socially, the presence of immigration detention centers has been linked to an increased sense of fear and anxiety among immigrants and other members of the community. The presence of ICE detention centers has also been linked to an increase in racial profiling and discriminatory practices. This can lead to further marginalization and exclusion of immigrants from certain economic opportunities, resources, and access to health care. Additionally, the detention centers can also create a culture of mistrust in law enforcement, leading people to be less likely to report instances of crime or cooperate in investigations.

Can Local Or State-Level Law Enforcement Agencies Enter Or Collaborate With Immigration Detention Centers For Any Purposes in Illinois?

In Illinois, local and state law enforcement agencies are not authorized to enter or collaborate with immigration detention centers for any purposes. While law enforcement agencies within the state may be working with federal immigration authorities, they are not allowed to enter or collaborate directly with any immigration detention centers. The responsibility of overseeing the federal immigration laws and regulations resides solely with the federal government.

What Resources Or Services Are Available To Detainees In Immigration Facilities, Especially Legal Aid And Support For Asylum Seekers in Illinois?

Legal aid and support for detained immigrants in Illinois is available through a number of organizations. The National Immigrant Justice Center is a non-profit organization that provides legal services, representation, and advocacy for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the Chicago area. The organization is committed to protecting the rights of immigrants and offering assistance through pro bono legal representation, deportation defense, and bonds. In addition, the Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center also offers a range of educational resources to help individuals learn more about their rights and options available in the US immigration system.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois also provides a range of resources for detained immigrants. These include access to free legal advice, assistance with filing immigration applications, legal representation at deportation hearings, and advocacy for detained immigrants. In addition, the ACLU of Illinois also offers support to individuals seeking asylum in the US.

The Immigrant Solidarity DuPage Center is another organization that provides legal services as well as social services for those who are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The organization offers services such as pro bono representation, bond payment assistance, interpretation services, transnational outreach, and community education.

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is another organization that provides legal aid to individuals detained by ICE. Services include assistance with filing applications for relief from removal (such as asylum), representation at immigration court proceedings, and help with obtaining documentation such as work permits. ICIRR also provides referrals to other organizations that offer assistance specifically to asylum seekers.

Finally, the Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) offers a range of legal services for immigrants in Illinois who are detained or otherwise facing removal proceedings. Services include pro bono representation in deportation proceedings; access to bond payment assistance; access to work permits; filing applications for relief from removal; assistance with obtaining documentation such as green cards; language access; and access to case management services. The NIJC also works with other organizations to provide support specifically to asylum seekers.

Can Individuals Or Organizations Volunteer Or Provide Assistance To Detainees In Immigration Facilities in Illinois?

Yes, individuals or organizations may volunteer or provide assistance to detainees in immigration facilities in Illinois. Some organizations that provide volunteer or assistance programs include the National Immigrant Justice Center, American Friends Service Committee, and Open Society Foundations. Volunteers can help in many ways including offering legal assistance, providing language assistance, helping detainees communicate with their families, and providing basic necessities such as food and clothing.

Are There Any Alternatives To Detention Programs Implemented As An Alternative To Holding Individuals In Immigration Detention Centers in Illinois?

Yes, there are several alternatives to detention programs implemented as an alternative to detention centers in Illinois. These programs include:

1. Community-Based Supportive Programs: These programs provide the individual with support and services such as case management, housing, legal assistance, and other social services.

2. Intensive Supervision Alternatives (ISAs): ISAs are designed to monitor and enforce compliance with immigration obligations while allowing individuals to remain in their communities and with their families.

3. Alternatives to Detention/Release Programs: These programs provide individuals with supervised release on bond or on their own recognizance while they await their immigration hearings.

4. Bond Alternatives Programs: These programs provide individuals with bond alternatives such as cash bonds, surety bonds, and recognizance bonds.

5. Accountability Programs: These programs provide individuals with increased accountability while in the community by providing regular check-ins and contact with their designated caseworker.

Can Detainees Access Communication With Family Members, Legal Representatives, And Other Individuals While In Immigration Detention in Illinois?

Yes, detainees in Illinois immigration detention have the right to communicate with family members, legal representatives, and other individuals. Detainees can make phone calls, receive visits from friends and family, and receive mail. Detainees may also have access to open visitation hours at the detention facility. For more information, please contact the facility or a representative of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

How Does The State Government Ensure That The Rights And Well-Being Of Detainees Are Upheld Within Immigration Detention Centers in Illinois?

The state government of Illinois takes several steps to ensure the rights and well-being of detainees in immigration detention centers are upheld. These steps include:

1. Ensuring detainees have access to proper medical care, food, and clothing. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) contracts with medical professionals to provide health care services in each of the state’s ICE-contracted detention centers.

2. Ensuring detainees are able to contact their families and legal representatives. The state allows detainees to use free telephones within the detention centers to make these connections. Additionally, all facilities are required to provide access to tablets or computers so that detainees can communicate electronically.

3. Making sure that detainees are treated humanely and not subjected to cruel or abusive practices. Detention centers are monitored by the IDHS Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which has the authority to impose corrective measures if necessary.

4. Ensuring that detention centers comply with minimum standards for safety, cleanliness, and prisoner treatment, as outlined in the U.S Department of Homeland Security’s National Detention Standards (NDS).

5. Regularly inspecting detention facilities and providing training for ICE personnel on how to handle complaints from detainees about any mistreatment or violations of their rights.

What Procedures Are In Place To Address Complaints, Grievances, And Allegations Of Mistreatment Within Immigration Detention Centers in Illinois?

In Illinois, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for resolving complaints, grievances, and allegations of mistreatment within immigration detention centers. The OIG’s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) has established a complaint process for individuals to file complaints of civil rights and civil liberties violations with DHS. The CRCL accepts complaints from individuals detained by DHS, including immigration detainees, as well as their family members or other interested persons. Complaints may be filed in person, by telephone, or in writing.

All complaints received by the OIG CRCL are logged into their system and reviewed by a staff member to determine if they are within the purview of the OIG. Complaints alleging serious abuse or violations of civil rights and civil liberties are then referred to the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) for investigation. The OPR conducts independent investigations into allegations of misconduct involving ICE personnel. If credible evidence is found to substantiate a complaint, appropriate action may be taken including but not limited to reprimands, suspension, or termination.

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) also offers free and confidential services to individuals in immigration detention in Illinois. The NIJC provides legal assistance and access to due process rights to those in immigration detention in the state. In addition to providing direct legal services, they also advocate for the protection of detainees’ rights and provide legal representation for those facing deportation proceedings.

Finally, Illinois provides pro bono legal services through organizations such as the Chicago Immigration Court Pro Bono Project. This program provides free legal assistance to individuals facing deportation proceedings in immigration court. The program pairs volunteer attorneys with those in need of representation in order to ensure they have access to an attorney who will advocate on their behalf.

Can Detainees Be Transferred Between Different Immigration Detention Centers, And How Is This Process Regulated in Illinois?

Yes, detainees can be transferred between different Immigration Detention Centers in Illinois. The process is regulated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Generally, transfers are done to accommodate any of the following: for medical treatment or special needs, to be closer to legal representation or family, court appearances, or to ease overcrowding. According to the ICE website, “each transfer is done with the knowledge of the detainee and takes into account any special need they may have.” Detainees must sign a consent form in order for the transfer to proceed.

How Does The Federal Government And State-Level Agencies Collaborate Or Interact With Regard To Immigration Detention Centers in Illinois?

The federal government and state-level agencies collaborate or interact with regard to immigration detention centers in Illinois in a number of ways. Both the federal government and state-level agencies have a role in determining the conditions of detention and ensuring those conditions meet legal standards. The federal government is responsible for the overall oversight of immigration detention centers nationwide, while state-level agencies are responsible for the day-to-day operations of each individual center. Federal and state-level agencies work together to ensure that conditions at detention centers are humane and meet legal standards. At the state level, the Illinois Department of Corrections is responsible for providing oversight of immigration detention centers in the state, ensuring that they meet standards laid out by the federal government. The Illinois Department of Corrections also works closely with local governments, law enforcement, and courts to ensure that individuals held in detention are treated fairly and humanely. Additionally, representatives from the federal government and state-level agencies periodically visit detention centers in Illinois to inspect them and provide feedback on their operations.

Where Can Concerned Individuals, Advocacy Groups, And Communities Access Accurate And Up-To-Date Information About Immigration Detention Centers And Facilities in Illinois?

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is a great source of information on immigration detention centers and facilities in Illinois. They provide up-to-date information regarding detention centers, facilities, and relevant policies. ICIRR also provides helpful resources such as legal advice, bond assistance, and representation for individuals in the immigration process. Additionally, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois has resources and information pertaining to immigration detention centers and facilities. Their website provides updates on legislation and other news related to immigration in Illinois.