
Being able to speak to family feels like a right rather than a privilege, but for people detained by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), speaking on the phone is a privilege that has now been severely reduced.
In a statement issued by ICE, it was announced that ICE detainees will no longer be able to make phone calls for free.
This major change is taking place for two reasons: the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and budget cuts. Because in-person visitation was paused during the pandemic, the government provided 520 minutes of phone use per month per detainee. Since in-person visits are permitted again, ICE has reinstated charging for phone calls. Another reason listed by the government is budget cuts. According to ICE, it cost $10.2 million per year to offer those 520 minutes of free phone calls to detainees. Because of “significant fiscal challenges” the agency aimed to reduce custody costs, resulting in the loss of free phone calls.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Phone Call from ICE?
According to ICE telephone policy, detainees are allowed to make free/direct phone calls to places such as:
-
the Executive Office for Immigration Review or local immigration court;
-
the Board of Immigration Appeals;
-
federal and state courts where the detainee is or may become involved in a legal proceeding;
-
consular officials;
-
legal representatives/legal service providers;
-
and others listed here.
The price of phone calls varies depending on detention center, but a recent article about detainee phone calls listed calls at the Golden State Annex as 7 cents a minute for domestic calls and 35 cents a minute for international calls. However, some detention centers impose additional burdens, such as requiring a $5 minimum deposit on a person's phone account.
Although people have very different views on it, almost everyone in America seems to agree that immigration reform is needed, and we think the ability of detainees to make phone calls to loved ones is an issue that needs to be fixed.
What do you think about this recent change? Has it impacted you and your loved ones? Let us know in the comments below.
If you would like to speak with one of our immigration attorneys you can reach us at (757) 422-8472, or send us a message on our website. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys by clicking on this link.
Comments
There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.
Leave a Comment