1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

I write to condemn the use of coercive labor practices in ICE detention facilities. Programs described as “voluntary” often occur in conditions where detainees depend on facility operators for basic necessities, raising serious concerns about fairness and consent. Paying detained individuals extremely low wages while they are confined and vulnerable undermines basic standards of dignity and human rights. Immigration detention must never become a source of exploitative labor. Strong oversight and clear protections are needed to ensure that all detainees are treated humanely and that participation in any work program is truly voluntary. Our policies should reflect respect for human dignity and fundamental rights.