Immigrants & Immigration

Yes, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has standards they must meet for detention center conditions. All centers in the Chicago district are subject to the National Detention Standards (NDS).  Separate laws set standards for care, custody, and services for children in federal immigration custody.  

A person can report problems with detention center conditions by contacting their US Senator or Representative. They can also call the US Senator or Representative of the district where the detention center is located. 

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) keeps track of reports about problems with detention conditions. A person can call the NIJC at (773) 672-6599 to report problems. Detained immigrants can call NIJC collect at (312) 583-9721.

Yes. A detainee may file a formal complaint at any time. The detainee or someone they know can submit a complaint to the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman.

Generally, detention centers allow visitation. You can find the hours you can visit by calling the detention center. Some centers only allow visitation by video call. Most centers require a visitor to have valid photo identification when they visit. Some centers do not accept a consular card (matricula).

The locations of detention centers housing unaccompanied immigrant children are kept confidential. Visitation is extremely limited. There are procedures in place for children to leave detention to join family or an appropriate sponsor.

Yes. Some facilities allow detainees to buy phone cards they can use to make calls. Others only allow detainees to make collect calls. This requires a special account on your phone.

Unaccompanied immigrant children in detention centers can talk to verified family members or guardians. They can also communicate with attorneys, child advocates, consulates, or other stakeholders.

Yes. But the detention center may not allow certain kinds of mail to be received. Call the detention center to find out what items are not allowed.

Yes. Each center allows people to add money to a detainee’s commissary account. They can then use it to order items through the jail. The person sending money will need to know the detained person’s detention identification number. Some centers have kiosks to add money. Others require a money order to be mailed in or money sent via an online website. Call the center to find out its specific procedures.