Hurricane Laura Devastated ICE Facilities, Leaving People Detained in Horrific Conditions

Katie Shepard for Immigration Impact tells about the impacts of Hurricane Laura on ICE detainees in Louisiana:

“Days after Hurricane Laura tore through Louisiana, the situation for people held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities remains critical.

ICE reportedly evacuated at least two immigration facilities in southern Louisiana before the hurricane hit. But the storm led to catastrophic conditions at ICE facilities further inland. Major damage occurred at LaSalle ICE Processing Center in Jena; LaSalle Correctional Center in Olla; and Jackson Parish Correctional Center in Jonesboro.

Louisiana became the new hub for immigration jails under the Trump administration. 8,000 of the roughly 51,000 people in ICE custody were held in Louisiana last year. The new facilities are in remote areas, far from New Orleans or other major cities.

Reports of limited electricity, overflowing toilets, and no running water in the ICE facilities quickly surfaced in the aftermath of the storm. With daily temperatures in the mid-90s and no air conditioning, many people have pleaded to sleep outside in the jail yard.”

KJ