Concerns Rise Over Conditions at North Lake Processing Center in Michigan
Reports from the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan, have sparked concern among families of those detained, according to the No Detention Centers in Michigan coalition. This facility is noted as the largest detention center in the Midwest and is operated by The GEO Group, a major service provider for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
J.R. Martin from the coalition highlighted increased ICE activities in the region, emphasizing the need for vigilance. This comes in the wake of The GEO Group’s announcement of a $70 million investment to expand ICE services. The company, proud of its longstanding support for ICE, claims to provide comprehensive services such as medical care, family visitations, and recreational amenities.
Allegations of Poor Conditions
Mindy Domke of No Detention Centers in Michigan reported that family members of detainees are reluctant to voice concerns publicly due to fear of reprisal. Domke noted that during a protest in Baldwin, access to legal representation and visitations was restricted by The GEO Group.
Martin and Domke have received troubling reports suggesting deteriorating conditions at the center. Family members allege that lockdown durations have increased significantly and that meals are now delivered directly to detainees’ cells, rather than being served in the dining hall.
A GEO Group spokesperson stated, “At locations where GEO provides health care services, individuals are provided with access to medical professionals. Ready access to off-site Emergency Medical Services and local community hospitals is also provided when needed.”
Estimating the facility’s population remains challenging, but Martin believes the center is at half capacity, holding roughly 800 individuals. He also mentioned that ICE is encouraging detainees to sign self-deportation papers, leading to frustration and protests over delays and a lack of clarity in the process.
According to the National Immigration Law Center, the Board of Immigration Appeals has approved a new ICE policy that potentially increases the number of immigrants required to stay in detention while their cases are pending, making release on bond more difficult.
Martin strongly criticized the system, stating, “Ultimately it is an inherently inhumane and unjust system. Whether someone has a criminal conviction or not, we don’t think they should be detained and taken to a place like North Lake.”
Domke emphasized the importance of advocacy and documentation, stating, “The best work we do right now is building relationships with detainees and advocating to defend human rights. It’s so important. We also know that it’s crucial to document everything that’s happening there so that we can share it with the public. And we’re refusing to look away.”
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