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ICE Official Statement of Policy on Deportation Safety, June 16, 2011 |
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Received by email June 16, 2011, in response to the No More Deaths public campaign on behalf of 21 detainees who begged not to be deported through Texas.
Here is our response -
ICE ensures the safe and secure custody of every detainee held in ICE custody. Decisions on when and where detainees are repatriated are based on many factors including transportation and housing costs, the Government of Mexico’s ability to accept repatriated detainees, existing agreements between the Governments of Mexico and the United States and the safety and security of citizens both in Mexico and the United States. While ICE recognizes the current situation relating to violence in Mexico, the agency is not in the practice of allowing detainees to request repatriation to specific locations in Mexico. ICE makes every effort to work closely with the Government of Mexico to ensure the safe and orderly repatriation of all detainees.
In February 2010, DHS and ICE in cooperation with the Government of Mexico, recognized the rising level of violence in and around Ciudad Juarez. ICE then committed to support efforts of the Government of Mexico and agreed to suspend removals of criminal aliens through El Paso into Ciudad Juarez beginning March 3, 2010.
Consistent with existing treaties and long standing practice, ICE detainees that are held in or near El Paso have full and complete access to Mexican Consulates. For detainees held in El Paso, Consular Officers Patricia Pacheco and Pilar Flores are available to meet with Mexican nationals in ICE custody. Mr. Roberto Rodriguez-Hernandez is the Consul General for the Mexican Consulate in El Paso with jurisdiction over facilities in that area. Mr. Rodriguez-Hernandez can be reached at (915) 532-3585.
For ICE detainees that are held in New Mexico, the Mexican Consul General is Mauricio Ibarra. Mr. Ibarra can be reached at (505-247-4177).
ICE detainees are encouraged to contact their consular officials with any concerns they may have regarding their safety following their repatriation into Mexico.
Andrew Lorenzen-Strait
Senior Public Engagement Officer
ICE/OSLTC
XXX.XXX.XXXX - BlackBerry
***Sent via wireless BlackBerry***
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