At many U.S immigration detention centers, many adults and children have been held there for days, weeks, and even months. They’re crammed in cells and have no access to basic necessities like soap, toothpaste, a place to shower, and more. Many children sleep on the floor and the adults have to stand due to the lack of space.

The conditions that these people are in are absolutely horrendous, and the cells are overcrowded to the max. According to USA Today, there are 88 men in a cell with a maximum capacity of 41. The conditions that they are in are causing deaths, according to NBC News; there have been 24 immigrants who have died in ICE custody. Some of these people who were detained in these facilities have explained that they have not brushed their teeth or showered for 40 days. These people were only supposed to be held for 72 hours but have ended up being there for up to 40 days or more. 

Not only have these people experienced horrendous conditions that have affected them physically, they are traumatized from being separated from their spouses, family, and children. The majority of women with children were taken to a separate facility with their kids. In these facilities, there are large cages made with chain-linked fences. According to The Cut, “Reporters and advocates touring the detention centers have described “prison-like” conditions.”

With this said, there have been so many protests going on outside of different I.C.E detention centers as a part of a national action. According to the Denver Channel, “This is the next step…towards changing the system,” said Matthew Wozniak, an organizer with Abolish ICE. There are also people going to these facilities and attempting to donate toiletries for the people held in the facilities. Unfortunately, the facilities are declining these items sent in to help with these conditions. With all of this going on, this has an affect society as a whole because it causes families to live in fear due to the thought of being deported and separated of their family.