1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

Legislation Needed to Stop Expansion of Mass Immigration Detention   I am writing to urge Congress to pass legislation clarifying immigration law to prevent the expansion of mandatory immigration detention through reinterpretation of the terms “applicant for admission” and “alien seeking admission.” Without clear statutory language, people who have lived and worked peacefully in the United States for years risk being detained without access to bond while their cases proceed.   Federal district courts across the country have overwhelmingly rejected this expanded detention interpretation, but a recent divided decision by a Fifth Circuit panel adopted the administration’s position, going against the weight of lower court rulings. This conflict makes clear that Congress must act to provide statutory clarity. Legislative clarification is necessary to ensure Section 1226 continues to permit individualized bond hearings and that detention is used only when justified by genuine public-safety or flight-risk concerns.   I am also deeply concerned about proposals to expand detention capacity through construction of large-scale facilities, many of which are operated by private contractors—particularly given the deplorable and inhumane conditions that have been documented at existing facilities.  Immigration detention should not become a profit-driven enterprise, nor should private corporations benefit from policies that lead to large-scale, prolonged detention of nonviolent individuals.   Congress should therefore:   • Clarify in statute that immigrants already living in the U.S. retain access to bond hearings.  • Use appropriations authority to limit funding for unnecessary expansion of detention facilities.  • Demand increased oversight and accountability for detention conditions.  • Invest in community-based alternatives to detention, which are more humane and far more cost-effective.   Private companies should not profit from an out-of-control detention system, and immigration enforcement must remain consistent with due process, fiscal responsibility, and basic human dignity.   I urge you to support legislative and budget measures that prevent mass, indefinite immigration detention and restore fairness and clarity to the law.