‘They don’t have any humanity’: Black immigrants in ICE custody report abuse and neglect

Complaints from detainees and advocates reveal a disturbing pattern of physical abuse and ignoring medical needs

In August 2001, Bel'Or, a native of Congo, arrived at Philadelphia international airport with one suitcase, a visiting visa, and a dream to study at an American university. In the two decades that followed, he learned English and received a bachelor's in finance from Temple University on a student visa. Then one night in 2018, as he returned from spending time with friends to mark the first anniversary of his wife's death, he was arrested by police for a DUI. On 27 January 2020, Bel'Or (identified here only by his his first name for his protection) was placed in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on non-deportable charges.

Once detained, Bel'Or, who had long enjoyed his freedom as one of the 4.6 million Black immigrants in America, joined a new group: the more than 4,500 Black immigrants inside ICE facilities. ICE's database lists about 25,000 detainees nationwide, but does not maintain reliable inmate demographics. Non-profits such as Freedom for Immigrants (FFI) and Black Alliance for Just Immigration estimate that roughly 20% of Black immigrants are waiting for deportation.