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What is the cost of running detention centers, and how does it compare to alternatives?

Geno Kennermann

The cost of running detention centers varies greatly depending on the location, size, and level of security needed. In the United States, for example, the cost of detaining an adult immigrant can range from $126 to $319 per day, with an average cost of $208 per day. However, these costs only cover the expenses of operating the facility, including food, housing, and medical care. They do not take into account the costs of transportation, legal representation, and other expenses related to the immigration process.

Compared to the alternatives, such as releasing immigrants into the community with monitoring devices or providing them with asylum hearings, detention centers are much more expensive. According to a study by the Vera Institute of Justice, it costs the government $319 per day to detain an individual, while the cost of releasing them with supervision is only $5 to $10 per day.

Moreover, there are many concerns surrounding the use of detention centers. Studies have shown that detention can have negative mental health effects on immigrants, and many have been subject to physical and emotional abuse while in custody. The conditions in some facilities have been described as inhumane, with inadequate access to medical care, nutritious food, and proper sanitation.

Alternatives to detention have been shown to be more effective at helping immigrants comply with immigration laws, while also minimizing the economic and emotional costs of detention. For example, community-based programs that provide legal assistance, language classes, and job training have been successful in ensuring that immigrants show up for their court hearings and comply with immigration requirements.

In conclusion, the cost of running detention centers is high and does not take into account the additional costs associated with the immigration process. Moreover, detention centers are controversial due to concerns about their effects on the mental and physical health of immigrants, as well as their potential for abuse. Alternatives to detention, such as community-based programs, have been shown to be more effective at promoting compliance with immigration laws and minimizing the economic and emotional costs of detention.