By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The unexpected occurred when an individual was suddenly chained and detained while working in Georgia. After eight days, the person was released, despite not being charged with any crime, but was forced to pledge they would never commit a crime. The detainee shared that their work in America resembled the concept of the workplace in South Korea.
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Georgia ICE detainee testifies: horrible living conditions and human rights violence, according to a detention diary acquired by Yonhap News, paints a stark picture of the realities faced by detainees in a Georgia ICE facility. The diary, written by an individual identified as “A,” a worker arrested during a business trip, reveals a deeply troubling account of inhumane treatment and potential human rights violations. The narrative begins with A’s arrest during an ICE raid, which occurred while he was in the US on a legal B-1 visa. This detail is important as it highlights the injustice of the situation; an individual who had entered the country legally was subsequently subjected to these conditions.
The initial moments of the arrest were marked by confusion and coercion. ICE agents, clad in helmets and safety shoes, began by body-searching the workers. A, along with others, was unable to immediately produce identification. Then, the agents distributed arrest warrants and related documents, demanding that the workers fill them out without providing adequate explanation or the required Miranda warnings. A recounted how the detainees, feeling pressured, completed the forms, assuming it would lead to their release. This manipulation of the detainees’ understanding of their rights sets the tone for the rest of the experience described in the diary.
The detainee’s belongings were then confiscated, an act that was accompanied by a growing sense of unease. A, realizing the severity of the situation, managed to secretly activate his phone, sending a message to his family and company that he would be unreachable for some time. The hours that followed were filled with waiting, culminating in a nine-hour delay before A was transported in a prisoner vehicle. The conditions during the journey and upon arrival were far from dignified. A’s wrists were bound with zip ties, and the detainees were crammed into a room designed for 72 people, with minimal amenities.
The conditions within the detention facility, as described in the diary, were appalling. The shared room lacked basic necessities, including clocks, and the detainees could not see the outside world. The beds were riddled with mold. Public toilets and urinals served the large population, and privacy was nonexistent. A, along with others, had to endure the humiliation of attempting to use the toilet in such a cramped and exposed environment. Basic provisions, such as towels and blankets, were initially unavailable. A received a towel from an acquaintance, highlighting the lack of resources provided by the facility.
The challenges didn’t end there; the temporary rooms were uncomfortably cold, forcing the detainees to resort to desperate measures to keep warm. Water, another basic requirement, was described as foul-smelling. Only later were essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, blankets, and deodorant provided. Following an admission process, A was assigned to a two-man room, though others continued to remain in the overpopulated 72-person room. The lack of writing materials was also apparent, which, led A to begin secretly documenting his experiences.
The detainee’s interrogation by ICE agents came after several days of detention. They were initially presented with self-deportation documents. Despite the inclusion of language suggestive of illegality, they were pressed to sign them. The agent’s behavior during the interview was shocking. They made light of A’s origin, mocking him about North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un. A’s frustration grew as he was subjected to the agent’s dismissive attitude and jokes, but he suppressed his anger, fearing any negative impact on his case. The interview concluded with A questioning the basis of his arrest, given his legal entry into the U.S. The agent’s response, “I don’t know, my superiors think it’s illegal,” was a clear display of the lack of due process.
The involvement of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta further highlighted the complexity of the situation. The Consulate General advised the detainees that returning home was the priority, urging them to sign any documents presented. This further placed the workers’ needs under the shadow of the law and gave preference to the authorities. The consulate warned that any attempt to dispute their situation could result in prolonged detention. The Consulate also made clear that signing a deportation document meant deportation. By nightfall on the fourth day of detention, A underwent formal processing, changing into prison attire.
The detainee’s perspective on these events is one of anguish and disbelief. A expressed frustration at the inability of the foreign ministry representatives to ascertain the reasons behind the arrests, and their sole focus on facilitating the workers’ return home. He was angered that the legal grounds for the detention were never fully explained. The forced repatriation, which left him and the other detainees feeling powerless and ignored, was particularly troubling. The anticipation of release turned into extended waiting periods and mounting stress, adding to their suffering.
Eventually, after several days of detention, the detainees were finally transported to Atlanta International Airport. Ultimately, 330 workers, including 14 foreign nationals, were sent back to Korea on a chartered flight. Testimony from other news outlets further revealed the trauma inflicted on the detainees. One witness spoke of the detainees’ handcuffs, food that was described as worse than dog food. While the U.S. may be the dream for many, for those caught in this system, it became a nightmare. The situation is a reminder of the importance of human rights and the need for accountability within immigration detention systems.