Crisis in Immigration Detention Centers at the Border

From the onset, it is important to note that as Heyman, Slack, and Guerra (2018) point out, the situation in border detention facilities can only be described as pathetic. As a matter of fact, the authors observe that in the past, some secret photos taken in some of the facilities such as the South Texas detention centers show the difficult and inhuman conditions that those detained therein including children and women, - live in. Although, as Heyman, Slack, and Guerra (2018) indicate, the leaked photos could have had a political dimension, it would be prudent to note that they offer us a sneak preview of the situation in some of the said facilities. As a matter of fact, in recent times, more photos and videos have emerged indicating the terrible conditions in which those held in the detention facilities have to put up with. For instance, as recently as March, Rep. Henry Cuellar released photos of people being held in what appeared to be overcrowded makeshift pods at the Donna Processing Center (Neuman, 2021). As the author in this case points out, the said pods only had plastic sheathing as separators effectively meaning that the occupants of the said pods were not effectively shielded from harsh environmental elements. Overcrowding was also a prominent feature in this case with shelters designed to hold approximately 260 persons holding almost double the said capacity (Neuman, 2021). What is even sadder, children were also being housed under similar conditions. According to Robbins (2015), there are thousands of unaccompanied children who have in the past been detained in the said centers.

Others who have had access to the immigration detention centers at the border describe what they witnessed as heartbreaking. Investigative features have also indicated that disease happens to be rampant in the said centers (Anderson, 2021). As Anderson (2021) further points out, sexual abuse has also been reported. More specifically, in the words of the author, findings from the BBC's...…progress has been made in recent times. This is more so the case since the Biden administration took over. The first few days of the administration were marred by confusion which made the situation in the detention facilities even worse. However, at present, things appear to be headed in the right direction. For instance, according to Alvarez (2021), thanks to federal entities such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the wellbeing of children in detention facilities is being addressed in a more systematic and deliberate manner. For instance, the agency has established numerous shelters to help in the accommodation of children. In the words of Alvarez (2021), that's allowed for an increasing number of children being transferred out of border facilities to spaces equipped to care for them at a quicker pace. The present administration has promised to fix some of the problems that were prevalent during the Trump leadership. Only time will tell whether this is mere political rhetoric or genuine commitment on the part…