INS Issues Standards in Response to Abuse Claims

WASHINGTON — New Immigration and Naturalization Service guidelines taking effect with the new year are intended to ensure consistent treatment and care for detainees regardless of where they are held.

The new standards, which then-INS Commissioner Doris Meissner released shortly before resigning in mid-November, come amid a series of complaints and lawsuits alleging physical and mental abuse of detainees held in local jails and other facilities operating under contract of the INS or by the agency itself.

In addition, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission announced last month that it would scrutinize new, tougher immigration laws and their effect on the rights of people held in INS custody.

Meissner said, “Our continued goal is to provide safe, secure and humane conditions of detention for all aliens in INS custody, and these new standards will help us achieve this.”

The tougher laws and enforcement have led to a sharp increase in recent years in the number of detainees, who are criminal or other illegal immigrants awaiting resolution of their immigration cases or deportation.

Last year, the number of detainees averaged 20,000, up from a daily average of 8,200 in 1997.

The new guidelines are intended to replace standards of treatment set by the detention facilities themselves, generally in line with state regulations or standards of accrediting organizations such as the American Correctional Assn.

Among about three dozen areas covered by the new uniform standards are food services, recreation, visitation, medical care and religious observances.