Immigrant Detainees in Solitary Confinement: Increasing Use Under Trump Administration Revealed in Report

Sharp Increase in Solitary Confinement Within Immigration Detention Facilities

Washington D.C. – The use of solitary confinement within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities is rapidly escalating, according to a new report released Wednesday. The findings, based on federal data and Freedom of Details Act requests, reveal a substantial uptick, especially since the current administration took office.

Rising Numbers of Detainees in Isolation

Federal data indicates that at least 10,588 individuals were placed in solitary confinement between april 2024 and May 2025. Researchers from Physicians for Human Rights, Harvard University’s Peeler Immigration Lab, and Harvard Law School collaborated on the analysis.The rate of solitary confinement implementation has increased at twice the pace seen between 2018 and 2023, and a staggering six times faster than the final months of 2024.

Dr. Katherine Peeler, medical advisor for Physicians for Human rights and assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, expressed concern. “Every month from February through May, the number of people placed in solitary increased by 6.5%,” she stated. “This trend is deeply disheartening.”

What Constitutes Solitary Confinement?

Solitary confinement, defined as holding detainees alone for at least 22 hours daily, is employed by ICE for both punitive measures and the perceived protection of vulnerable immigrants. The United Nations considers solitary confinement lasting longer than 15 consecutive days to be a form of torture.

ICE Response and Justification

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated Thursday that ICE prioritizes the safety and security of those in its custody. She explained that disciplinary segregation is reserved for individuals found guilty after a hearing,and administrative segregation – lasting up to 24 hours – can be used for security reasons or facility operations. ICE’s National Detention Standards outline thes practices.

Vulnerable Populations Disproportionately Affected

The report highlights that vulnerable detainees – those with medical conditions, disabilities, or at risk due to their identity – experience significantly longer periods in isolation. In the first three months of 2025, they spent an average of 38 consecutive days in solitary, compared to 14 days in late 2021. This represents a doubling of isolation time for those moast needing support.

Geographic Trends in Solitary Confinement Use

Recent trends show a shift in were solitary confinement is being utilized.Previously, California facilities like the Adelanto ICE processing Center and Otay Mesa Detention Center were hotspots. Now, facilities in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Arizona, and Louisiana are showing increased use. According to data, Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania, Montgomery Processing Center in texas, Buffalo Service Processing Center in New York, South Texas ICE Processing Center, and Eloy Detention Center in Arizona tied with Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center are currently the facilities with the most solitary confinement stints.

Year	Average Days in Solitary (Vulnerable Detainees)
Late 2021	14
First 3 months of 2025	38

Did You Know? Previous analysis showed ICE used solitary confinement over 14,000 times between 2018 and 2023, with one detainee held for an remarkable 759 days.

Growing Concerns and Calls for Reform

The report emphasizes that the use of solitary confinement in immigration detention has risen dramatically over the past decade, and billions in recently authorized funding for detention expansion could worsen the situation.advocates are urging the federal government to cease the practice for those in civil deportation proceedings, and calling for greater oversight from states and Congress. As of September 7, nearly 59,000 immigrants were in ICE custody, according to data from TRAC.

Pro Tip: Understanding your rights and seeking legal counsel are crucial steps if you or a loved one is facing immigration detention.

The Long-term Effects of Solitary Confinement

The psychological and physical consequences of prolonged solitary confinement are well-documented. Detainees frequently enough experience anxiety,depression,paranoia,and cognitive decline. The impact can be especially severe for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. The American Psychological Association has extensively researched the harmful effects of this practice.

The debate over solitary confinement in immigration detention centers highlights broader questions about human rights, due process, and the treatment of vulnerable populations. As the number of detainees continues to fluctuate, the need for humane and effective detention policies remains a critical issue.

Frequently Asked Questions about Solitary Confinement in ICE Detention

What is solitary confinement?

Solitary confinement involves holding detainees in isolation for at least 22 hours a day, with limited human contact.

Why dose ICE use solitary confinement?

ICE states they use solitary confinement for disciplinary purposes or to protect the safety and security of detainees and staff.

Is solitary confinement considered inhumane?

The United Nations and many human rights organizations consider prolonged solitary confinement to be a form of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

are vulnerable detainees more likely to experience solitary confinement?

Yes, the report shows that vulnerable detainees spend significantly longer periods in solitary confinement compared to other detainees.

What is being done to address this issue?

Advocates are calling for an end to the practice of solitary confinement for individuals in civil deportation proceedings and increased oversight of ICE detention facilities.

What are your thoughts on the increasing use of solitary confinement in immigration detention? Share your opinions and help us continue the conversation!

What specific policy changes during the Trump administration contributed to the increased use of solitary confinement for immigrant detainees?

The rise of Isolation: A Disturbing Trend in Immigration Detention

Recent reports have illuminated a significant increase in the use of solitary confinement for immigrant detainees during the Trump administration. This practice, often criticized as inhumane and detrimental to mental health, saw a marked escalation, raising serious concerns about due process and human rights within the U.S. immigration detention system. The data reveals a troubling pattern, impacting individuals awaiting deportation hearings, asylum seekers, and those with pre-existing vulnerabilities. understanding the scope of this issue requires examining the specific policies, the reported consequences, and the legal challenges surrounding solitary confinement in immigration facilities.

Key Findings from Recent Reports

Several investigations, including those conducted by human rights organizations and government watchdogs, have documented the following:

* Increased Duration: The average length of time immigrant detainees were held in solitary confinement increased substantially. Previously, periods were often limited to a few days for disciplinary reasons; reports indicate instances of weeks, months, and even years of isolation.

* Expanded Criteria: The criteria for placing individuals in solitary confinement broadened. Beyond disciplinary infractions,detainees were subjected to isolation for perceived security risks,medical reasons (often related to mental health),or simply due to their immigration status.

* Vulnerable Populations: Individuals with documented mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, and those with medical needs were disproportionately affected by the increased use of solitary confinement. This contradicts established guidelines regarding the humane treatment of vulnerable populations.

* Lack of Due Process: Detainees often lacked adequate access to legal counsel or a meaningful opportunity to challenge their placement in solitary confinement. The process was frequently opaque and lacked openness.

* geographic Disparities: Certain immigration detention centers, particularly those operated by private prison companies, exhibited a higher rate of solitary confinement usage.

The Psychological Impact of Prolonged Isolation

The detrimental effects of solitary confinement on mental health are well-documented. For immigrant detainees,these effects are often exacerbated by the trauma of migration,separation from family,and the uncertainty of their legal status.

* Anxiety and Depression: Prolonged isolation frequently leads to heightened anxiety, severe depression, and feelings of hopelessness.

* Psychotic Symptoms: In certain specific cases, solitary confinement can trigger or worsen psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions.

* Self-Harm and Suicide: The risk of self-harm and suicide substantially increases among individuals held in solitary confinement.

* Cognitive Impairment: Isolation can impair cognitive function, affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities.

* Long-Term Trauma: The psychological scars of solitary confinement can persist long after release, impacting an individual’s ability to reintegrate into society. This is particularly concerning for those facing deportation to their home countries.

Legal Challenges and Advocacy Efforts

Numerous legal challenges have been filed against the use of solitary confinement in immigration detention centers. These lawsuits argue that the practice violates due process rights, constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, and discriminates against vulnerable populations.

* American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU has been a leading advocate against the overuse of solitary confinement, filing lawsuits and advocating for policy changes.

* National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC): NIJC provides legal representation to immigrant detainees and advocates for fair and humane immigration policies.

* Human Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch has documented the abuses within immigration detention and called for greater accountability.

* Class Action Lawsuits: Several class action lawsuits have been filed seeking to limit the use of solitary confinement and improve conditions in immigration facilities.

Case Study: Ms. Y’s Experiance (Illustrative Example – Based on reported Cases)

Ms. Y,an asylum seeker from El Salvador fleeing gender-based violence,was placed in solitary confinement for 28 days after a minor infraction of a detention center rule. She had a pre-existing anxiety disorder, which was significantly worsened by the isolation. She reported experiencing panic attacks, suicidal ideation, and difficulty sleeping. Legal advocates argued that her placement in solitary confinement was disproportionate to the offense and violated her rights as a vulnerable asylum seeker. (note: This is a composite example based on numerous reported cases and does not represent a single individual’s story to protect privacy).

The Role of Private Prison Companies

The involvement of private prison companies in operating immigration detention centers has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Critics argue that these companies have a financial incentive to maximize occupancy rates, which may contribute to the overuse of solitary confinement as a means of control. Contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often include occupancy guarantees, meaning the government is obligated to pay for a certain number of beds, regardless of whether they are filled. This creates a potential conflict of interest, incentivizing the detention of more individuals, even those who pose no security risk. ICE detention standards are frequently criticized as being inadequate to