Nearly 200 groups urge Biden to release migrants, close detention centers before Trump arrives

Nearly 200 migrant advocacy groups have come together to demand action from President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In a letter addressed to the officials, the consortium urged the closure of ICE detention centers and the consideration of releasing detainees ahead of the Trump administration’s potential reversal of current policies.

The letter, which was also copied to ICE Deputy Director Patrick Lechleitner and ICE chief of staff Michael Lumpkin, emphasized the need for immediate action to protect immigrant communities before the end of their term. The groups highlighted the importance of honoring commitments to the dignity and humane treatment of all people, including immigrants to the nation.

Without explicitly naming President-elect Trump, the groups warned of the possibility of mass deportation plans being enforced by the next administration. They expressed concerns that such actions would lead to the separation of families and disrupt the lives of millions of individuals.

Led by the Detention Watch Network, the letter was signed by 192 other organizations, including prominent names such as the American Friends Service Committee, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and Human Rights Watch. The consortium emphasized the need to close detention centers to put an end to alleged inhumane and abusive conditions, such as inadequate food and water, negligent medical care, and deaths.

The groups called on President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to fulfill their promise of ending the use of for-profit detention centers, which currently house over 90% of detainees. They also urged the halting of detention facility expansion efforts to prevent the incoming administration from easily expanding detention capacity.

In addition, the consortium requested the initiation of release proceedings for vulnerable populations, including migrants with physical or mental health concerns and those eligible for parole or Temporary Protected Status. They emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to go through their immigration proceedings in community with the support of loved ones and access to legal assistance.

The groups highlighted the urgency of taking decisive action to prevent a catastrophe for millions of people and avoid handing over an expanded and inhumane detention and deportation system to the next president. Officials across the country, including Chicago Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson, have also expressed concerns about Trump’s immigration policy proposals, labeling him a threat to new arrivals, undocumented families, and Black families.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and Secretary Mayorkas for comment on the matter. As the advocacy groups continue to push for action, the fate of detainees and immigration policies remains uncertain in the transition between administrations.