News & Commentary about Family Detention

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The ACLU works in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.

Nov 23, 2022

20 Years Later, It’s Time to Overhaul the Department of Homeland Security

A young child holds on to her mother legs as they wait with other families to request political asylum in the United States, across the border in Tijuana, Mexico.
20 Years Later, It’s Time to Overhaul the Department of Homeland Security

Jan 27, 2022

Why Is America So Keen on Separating Families?

Why Is America So Keen on Separating Families?

Dec 17, 2021

New Guidance Fails to Stop Mistreatment of Pregnant People and Their Children in Detention

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicle is seen next to migrants after they were detained and taken into custody.
New Guidance Fails to Stop Mistreatment of Pregnant People and Their Children in Detention

Aug 9, 2021

Border Patrol Must Stop Holding People in an Inhumane Outside Pen Under a Highway in South Texas

Migrants in custody at U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing area under the Anzalduas International Bridge, Friday, March 19, 2021, in Mission, Texas.
Border Patrol Must Stop Holding People in an Inhumane Outside Pen Under a Highway in South Texas

Jul 21, 2021

Secretary Mayorkas Pledged to End His Agency’s Anti-Immigrant Abuses. Here’s What He’s Delivered.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas speaks during news conference with a U.S. Homeland Security flag behind him.
Secretary Mayorkas Pledged to End His Agency’s Anti-Immigrant Abuses. Here’s What He’s Delivered.

Apr 8, 2020

“They Don’t Care if You Die”: Immigrants in ICE Detention Fear the Spread of COVID-19

Two children wear masks and hold signs that read "I want my dad free and healthy" and "I want my dad alive not dead!!" as part of a protest calling for the release of detained immigrants in front of the GEO Detention Center in Aurora, Colorado.
“They Don’t Care if You Die”: Immigrants in ICE Detention Fear the Spread of COVID-19

Feb 18, 2020

ICE's Destruction of Records Must Be Stopped

Back of an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer's vest that reads "POLICE ICE." Taken in Portland, OR.
ICE's Destruction of Records Must Be Stopped

Dec 26, 2018

The Battle to Stop Family Separation

Ms. L with her daughter
The Battle to Stop Family Separation

Aug 24, 2018

‘My Son is Traumatized’: One Separated Family’s Reunion

Family Reunion
‘My Son is Traumatized’: One Separated Family’s Reunion

Aug 21, 2018

More Than 500 Children Are Still Separated. Here’s What Comes Next.

Children Sleeping
More Than 500 Children Are Still Separated. Here’s What Comes Next.