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Panel Event: Immigration Detention Reform Briefing and Discussion



PANEL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2:
U.S., New Jersey Immigration Detention Issues at Heart of Discussion

Newark, NJ – It’s been two years since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced their commitment to transform the immigration detention system, including steps to shift away from jails and jail-like immigration detention facilities. On Friday, December 2, Human Rights first will host an informal breakfast briefing to discuss the status of this commitment, the current state of detention reform, and recommendations for more significant progress. It will also examine the impact of the recent increase of 750 new ICE detention beds in Newark, at Essex County Jail and at Delaney Hall.

The discussion comes on the heels of Human Rights First’s recent release of Jails and Jumpsuits: Transforming the U.S. Immigration Detention System – A Two-Year Review.  This Human Rights First report reveals that despite the United States’ commitment to overhaul the immigration detention system, the nation continues to hold the overwhelming majority of its nearly 400,000 detained asylum seekers and other civil immigration law detainees in jails and jail-like facilities across the country.  The report outlines steps that the administration should take to end its reliance on facilities with conditions that are inappropriate for asylum seekers and other civil immigration law detainees, and to bring U.S. detention practices into compliance with international human rights standards.

Coffee and a light breakfast will be served.  This event is open to the press, but registration is required.  Please RSVP to Brenda Bowser Soder at bowsersoderb@humanrightsfirst.org or 202-370-3323 by 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 1.

WHAT: Immigration Detention Reform Briefing and Discussion
WHO: Moderated by Lori Adams, Managing Attorney, Refugee Protection Program, Human Rights FirstPresented by Ruthie Epstein, Researcher & Advocate, Refugee Protection Program, Human Rights First

Commentators:

Amy Gottlieb, Director, Immigrant Rights Program, American Friends Service Committee in Newark;

Catherine Weiss, Director of Public Interest Advocacy and Senior Counsel, Lowenstein Sandler PC;

Lindsay Jenkins, Assistant Protection Officer, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;
WHERE: McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP
Three Gateway Center
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102
WHEN: Friday, December 2, 2011
8:45 a.m. – Coffee and refreshments;
9:00 a.m. – Discussion