By Matt Underwood African man dies while under ICE detention at Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a place that is being described as a “cruel euphemism for a concentration camp.” The details are stark: a 46-year-old man, held for 215 days awaiting an immigration review, died this week after complaining of chest pain. This is a tragic event, especially considering it’s the second death in ICE custody this week. The fact that the man had a criminal record seems almost secondary in the face of such a loss. The fundamental question arises: is this the way we want our society to function?
The very notion of indefinite detention, especially in facilities run by a system like ICE, appears to be a source of significant concern. It seems many feel that ICE is not equipped, or perhaps not even inclined, to handle the complexities of detention, with a long history of deaths in custody. The sentiment is that these facilities are not prisons for immigrants; instead of incarceration, an alternative agency could run minimal security detention centers to determine who even needs to be detained. This raises questions about the humanity of the system, and the possibility of atrocities being committed under the guise of security.
Furthermore, there is a recurring theme about the number of deaths linked to ICE detention. With multiple deaths reported within a very short timeframe, the situation appears to be escalating. Comparing these facilities to “death camps” or “transit camps,” places where prisoners were held before being shipped to their deaths, is a very strong and provocative statement. The suggestion that these facilities are “for profit” and publicly-traded, operated by groups like GEO Group, brings to light the potential for financial incentives to influence the treatment of detainees.
Having worked in the Moshannon Valley facility from 2014-2016, and seeing how it operated under its previous structure, only highlights the potential problems with such a system. Issues like extortion and inflated prices for necessities, even though the staff may have been friendly, bring to light how upper management may be more interested in profits over human well-being. The lack of timely medical or legal intervention is also a major concern, and many are questioning whether the conditions constitute “cruel and unusual punishment.”
This raises an important question: what can be done to prevent more deaths? The situation is clearly seen as a crisis. It appears that the lack of accountability and the system’s overall inhumanity are major concerns. The sentiment is that the existing processes are insufficient and lead to unnecessary suffering and death. This is about more than just immigration; it’s about basic human rights.
The question of why people enter the country illegally, and what should be done to solve this issue, is one that also comes up. There is a sense of frustration that nothing is being done to stop the deaths, with an attitude of: “Americans: “we cannot allow this to happen! We can’t allow it to continue!” Everyone else: *then…don’t let it continue…?”* Americans: “no. Too hard.”.” This is a heartbreaking observation, and suggests a deeply rooted problem in the way society tackles systemic problems, leading to a feeling of hopelessness.
There is also a strong feeling that the current situation is unacceptable and needs immediate attention. The fact that the man, and others, have died in custody before they even had their chance to have their case reviewed, reveals the true impact of these facilities. This reinforces the urgency of the need to reform the system. If individuals are being detained for months on end without due process, and ultimately die in custody, then something must drastically change. The overall message is clear: this is not about politics or administration, it is about basic human decency and the values of the society that we want to be.
The notion of the “cruel and unusual punishment” must be considered. Detaining people in unsanitary and inhumane conditions is simply unacceptable, regardless of their legal status. In a society that values justice and human rights, this should be a top priority.