Written by Shubhanjana Das/Sahan Journal
Increased Detentions Prompt Urgent Response from Advocates
This winter, as federal immigration agents converged on Minnesota for Operation Metro Surge, the number of detainee flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport surged. The operations signal a troubling increase in the movement of individuals in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) system.
Hundreds of miles away in El Paso, Marisa Limon Garza’s phone began ringing incessantly. Inquiries poured in from lawyers, family members, and friends desperately seeking information about their loved ones. “Can you please check on my people? Can you make sure they’re okay?” Garza, the executive director of the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, recalled these poignant requests.
In numerous instances, families were not merely seeking updates but searching for confirmation that their relatives were alive. This scenario serves as a stark reminder that acute distress is prevalent, even in Texas, home to the largest number of ICE detention centers in the nation.
Rapid Transfer of Detainees Raises Concerns
ICE has a long history of transporting detainees across state lines. However, a recent analysis by Sahan Journal highlights that during Operation Metro Surge, detainees from Minnesota were transferred out of state more rapidly than before, often resulting in disconnection from their families and legal representation. As information became scarce, families and attorneys turned to Texas-based immigrant advocates, who have emerged as critical points of contact in these emergencies.
In response to the escalating situation, efforts are underway to streamline communication and resource-sharing among advocates in Texas. Recently, Together and Free, a local organization, collaborated with various service providers to establish a detainee hotline. This service aids families in locating detained individuals in El Paso and connects them with legal resources, even for those without current representation.
Imelda Maynard, director of legal services at El Paso’s Estrella del Paso, noted that one positive outcome from this crisis is improved coordination among advocacy groups. This collaboration has raised awareness of the importance of aligning efforts both locally and nationally.
Texas: A Central Hub for Detainees
Historically, Texas has been a pivotal transit area for migrants entering the United States. With 26 detention centers, including the newly constructed Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss—capable of housing up to 5,000 individuals—the situation has become increasingly complex. The journey from Minnesota to Texas has turned into an opaque process, leaving advocates and attorneys grappling with accessibility challenges.
Daniel Hatoum, senior supervising attorney for the Texas Civil Rights Project, described the daunting task of assisting detainees from afar as “nearly impossible.” His team and others rely on their institutional knowledge and strong connections within the system to navigate the complexities that arise in Texas’s detention landscape.
Complications Following Rigid Access Restrictions
Maynard began receiving calls from counterparts in Minnesota in January, following a tragic death at Camp East Montana. Victor Manuel Diaz, a cook from Coon Rapids, was placed in custody on January 6 and died a week later in what ICE described as a suicide. Following his death, access to the camp became severely restricted for Minnesota visitors, adding to the uncertainty and distress for those attempting to offer support.
While the family of Diaz faced delays in accessing information, legal advocates swiftly worked to gather and disseminate crucial updates. Inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security regarding the status of detained Minnesotans remain unanswered, exacerbating the situation for families left in the dark.
Palliative Care for Detainees Amid Crisis
The ongoing strain on resources is evident, as advocates provide what Garza terms “palliative care” to detainees and their families. Community partnerships have become essential, allowing organizations to triage needs effectively. Many released detainees find temporary refuge at Annunciation House, an immigrant shelter in El Paso, where staff assist them in arranging travel back to Minnesota.
This collaborative approach is not unprecedented; legal entities and advocacy groups have adapted before during prior immigration crises, including the family separation policies of the previous administration. However, according to Garza, this current influx involves a troubling new dimension, as even skilled attorneys often find themselves overwhelmed and disoriented by the rapid changes.
Struggles Persists as Borders Expand
Immigrant advocacy organizations in El Paso face ongoing pressures as they navigate fluctuating federal immigration policies and increasing detainee populations. Despite operating at full capacity, these groups remain committed to assisting detainees and their families, understanding the gravity of their responsibility.
Hatoum emphasizes that the challenges are not confined to Texas—rather, “borders are everywhere now.” The issues that once seemed localized have spread, impacting individuals across the country. As the immigration landscape evolves, advocates are determined to continue their critical work, embodying solidarity and support for their often vulnerable clients.
This article originally appeared on Sahan Journal, a Minnesota news outlet devoted to covering the experiences of immigrants and communities of color.
