ACLU calls for immediate suspension of the use of solitary confinement in ICE detention facilities
NEW ORLEANS – The ACLU of Louisiana today condemned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the death of Roylan Hernández-Díaz, an asylum-seeker who committed suicide while being held in solitary confinement at the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana.
“Roylan Hernandez-Diaz's death in solitary confinement is a horrific and preventable tragedy that demands a thorough investigation and immediate changes to the conditions in ICE detention facilities,” said Alanah Odoms Hebert, ACLU of Louisiana executive director. “Solitary confinement is torture and should never – under any circumstances – be used against asylum-seekers engaging in peaceful protest. We will not stand by while ICE tortures people who are exercising their right to seek asylum in the United States. In addition to undertaking an independent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Hernandez-Diaz's death, detention facilities in Louisiana must immediately suspend the use of solitary confinement and take additional steps to ensure the safety of those in their custody. Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Hernandez-Diaz's family and loved-ones as we continue to demand justice for his unnecessary and tragic death.”
Last month, the ACLU of Louisiana and SPLC won a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit challenging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) illegal practice of denying parole to detained asylum-seekers. The injunction required DHS and the ICE New Orleans Field Office to immediately restore the procedures of parole and access to parole, as mandated by DHS’ own 2009 Parole Directive and the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment.
