Surge in Solitary Confinement for Immigrants in ICE Custody Draws Criticism

A new report highlights a 61% increase in solitary placements in 2023, raising concerns over human rights abuses and calls for reform.

A new report reveals an increase in the use of solitary confinement for immigrants in ICE custody, with placements in 2023 being 61% higher than the previous year.
Solitary confinement, often exceeding the UN-defined torture threshold of 15 days, is used for punishment and to manage detainees, including those with mental health conditions.
ICE's reliance on solitary confinement has drawn criticism from human rights groups and calls for reform, despite agency claims of oversight and humane treatment.
Detainees report severe conditions and neglect in solitary, including lack of medical care, humiliation, and psychological harm.
Calls for the Biden administration to address and phase out the use of solitary confinement in immigration detention have intensified.