Immigrants detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been spending extended periods in temporary holding rooms, a violation of the agency’s established policies. This departure from protocol comes as ICE intensifies efforts to carry out President Donald Trump’s pledged mass deportations. The prolonged stays in these holding facilities raise concerns about the conditions and treatment of detainees, as well as compliance with legal standards.

According to internal sources familiar with the matter, the extended time spent by immigrants in ICE hold rooms exceeds the agency’s prescribed guidelines. This practice has reportedly become more prevalent as ICE escalates enforcement actions aimed at unauthorized immigrants. The implications of these prolonged stays include potential overcrowding, inadequate access to facilities, and the overall well-being of those held in these temporary accommodations.

A spokesperson for ICE declined to provide a statement on the specific duration of time detainees are spending in these hold rooms. However, the agency has faced criticism in the past for its handling of immigrant detainees, with concerns raised about due process, living conditions, and access to legal representation. Legal experts emphasize the importance of adhering to established detention standards to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals held by immigration authorities.

The extended stays in ICE hold rooms underscore broader challenges within the immigration enforcement system, including capacity limitations, procedural adherence, and the treatment of those awaiting processing or deportation. As the issue of immigrant detention continues to be a focal point of national debate, advocates emphasize the need for transparency, oversight, and adherence to established protocols to ensure the fair and humane treatment of all individuals within the immigration enforcement system.