Immigration

As part of the Unite & Rise campaign, LWVKY seeks evidence that Kentucky facilities that detain people for ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) provide dignity and due process to the people being held. In seeking that evidence, we continue our active pursuit of transparency from the Kentucky government. Based on what we learn, we may take advocacy steps consistent with LWV and LWVKY policy and issue positions. At the heart of this work is a focus on the humanity of those being detained and a commitment to building and sustaining American institutions, practices, and laws that respect that humanity.

More research is forthcoming; however, our initial review of publicly available data has found:

• Over 1,000 people are now held for ICE in Kentucky county jails.

• The ICE detainee count has grown rapidly, with only 28% identified as criminals.

• ICE detainees are not included in some jails’ public inmate lists.

• ICE detainees are being held in some severely overcrowded jails.