Trump Administration's Detention Policies Lead to Prolonged Migrant Detentions Amid Dire Conditions
Under President Trump's second term, prolonged detention of migrants has become increasingly common due to a policy that generally prohibits immigration judges from releasing detainees while their deportation cases are pending in backlogged courts. This has resulted in dire conditions at detention centers, such as the 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida and a camp at Fort Bliss, Texas, where detainees report unsanitary conditions and inadequate food. Many migrants, like Felipe Hernandez Espinosa, are desperate to return to their home countries due to the harsh conditions and lengthy detention periods. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in 2001 that capped detention at six months, many are held longer, with some cases extending beyond two years. The Trump administration offers incentives for voluntary departure, but detainees are often unable to leave until they see a judge.