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The elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, may reinstate the use of detention centers for migrant families, a practice from his previous term that was eliminated by the Biden administration, according to statements by Tom Homan, appointed as the "border czar" of the new administration.
"It's something we are considering," stated Homan, a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump's first term, in a recent interview cited by CBS News.
"We need to put an end to the 'catch-and-release' policy, and that includes family units as well," he said.
ICE stopped detaining migrant families shortly after Joe Biden took office, although last year there was discussion about possibly reinstating the measure.
Homan indicated that the details of this policy are still being discussed, but suggested that, if implemented, it would aim to expedite immigration court proceedings in these facilities.
During Trump's first administration, Homan supported the controversial "zero tolerance" policy, which separated thousands of migrant children from their parents, igniting outrage both nationally and internationally.
However, the future official stated that he does not anticipate a mass separation of families this time.
The implementation of detention centers for families faces legal challenges, such as the so-called Flores Agreement, which limits the time that migrant children can be detained to 20 days. Homan expressed his intention to seek litigation to modify this legal framework.
"We believe that the Flores Agreement was a wrong decision," said Homan. "We will operate within the current rules while seeking a more favorable ruling in the courts."
Homan also stated that the new centers would not be prisons, but rather "outdoor camps" specifically designed to accommodate families.
However, those who lived in them during the previous administration tell CiberCuba that they were uncomfortable camps, lacking proper conditions, where migrants lived in overcrowded spaces with lice, and it was especially difficult for women to maintain hygiene during their menstrual periods.
Recently, the "border czar" acknowledged that one of the biggest obstacles facing the mass deportation plan is the lack of infrastructure to accommodate detained immigrants.
The senior U.S. official outlined that a minimum of 100,000 beds per day will be required, more than double the current capacity of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which ranges between 38,000 and 40,000 beds.
Trump's plan will not take into account whether detained migrants have children born in the United States, according to Homan.
If the parents lose their immigration case, they will have to decide whether to take their children with them or leave them in the country under the care of a relative.
Lawyer Lee Gelernt from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warned that any attempt to reactivate family detention centers or enforce decisions that separate children from their parents will face legal challenges.
"We have already challenged family detention in the past, and we are prepared to do so again," Gelernt stated. "We hope that the American public will reject this measure, which directly affects children and families."
Trump, who based his campaign on the promise of toughening immigration policies, has indicated that he will prioritize the deportation of individuals with criminal records. However, the details of his overall plan are still not clear.
In the past, Trump referred to the arrival of migrants as an "invasion," a rhetoric that some Republicans have tried to soften following his recent electoral victory.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donald Trump's Immigration Plan
What does Trump's plan for detained migrant families in the U.S. entail?
Trump's plan could re-establish the use of detention centers for migrant families, aiming to end the "catch-and-release" policy and accelerate immigration court processes. Although mass family separations are not anticipated, the plan faces legal challenges such as the Flores Agreement, which limits the detention time for migrant children.
Who is Tom Homan and what is his role in the Trump administration?
Tom Homan has been appointed by Donald Trump as the "border czar" in his new administration. Homan, known for his tough stance on immigration, will oversee the borders and coordinate large-scale deportations, facing significant logistical and political challenges, such as the lack of adequate infrastructure to accommodate detained immigrants.
What challenges does Trump's mass deportation plan face?
The plan for mass deportations faces logistical, political, and ethical challenges. The lack of infrastructure to accommodate detainees, the need for additional funding, and the pressure from sanctuary cities are significant obstacles. Moreover, the plan could encounter legal challenges and criticism from human rights groups due to its potential impact on migrant families.
How will the elimination of humanitarian parole affect migrants?
The elimination of the humanitarian parole, as proposed by Trump, could lead to the deportation of hundreds of thousands of migrants who arrived legally under this program if they have not obtained asylum or permanent legal status. This measure is part of an effort to tighten immigration policies and may face legal challenges similar to those encountered during Trump's first administration.
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