A new federal immigration detention center will open in Clearfield County, after the York County prison ended a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in August.
Many detainees have been sent to other detention centers, in some cases farther from their families.
Alfredo Carmona was detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement on April 14 while on his way to work.
Immigrant advocacy groups that work directly with detainees allege ICE and prison staff retaliated by taking away detainees’ access to phones, TVs and showers.
Juntos organizers launched its Sanctuary Schools Campaign Monday, calling for more training, clearer district guidelines and renewed financial investment to make schools a safe space for children regardless of their immigration status.
“Re-detention for people who are medically vulnerable would violate their constitutional rights … because you would be subjecting people to conditions that could kill them,” said Vanessa Stine, immigration attorney with the ACLU of Pennsylvania, one of many people working on the cases.
Lawyers representing families detained at the Berks County Residential Center say Immigrations and Customs Enforcement may deport two families as soon as this weekend.
The timing of the press events raise concerns that the agency’s activities are an extension of President Donald Trump’s political campaign.
