Trump reopens family detention centers for undocumented immigrants

In March 2025, the Trump administration began reviving the detention of immigrant families in South Texas. Two facilities, one in Karnes and the other in Dilley, are being prepared to house undocumented parents and their children who have crossed the southern border. This decision marks a return to a practice that had been largely halted during the Biden administration, reflecting Trump's commitment to reinforcing strict immigration policies. Proponents of the detention argue that it serves as a deterrent against illegal immigration. However, this revival has drawn criticism from human rights advocates who see family detention as cruel and ineffective, noting the psychological impact it has on children involved. Many of the families at these centers are Central Americans who seek refuge from violence and poverty in their home countries. Immigration lawyers report that families are often held for varying lengths of time, with some previously detained for prolonged periods despite their pleas for asylum. Critics argue that holding families for extended durations while their cases are processed undermines due process rights. The political and social implications of reviving family detention raise concerns about the administration's broader approach towards immigration enforcement, reflecting a trend towards increasingly punitive measures against vulnerable populations. The reintroduction of this policy indicates an ongoing struggle around one of the most divisive issues in American politics: immigration. Alongside family detention, the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement threatens free speech rights for legal immigrants, as illustrated by the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder detained without charges based on his speech. The use of the Alien Enemies Act to justify detention based on mere accusation raises alarm over civil liberties and due process, with critics arguing that the measures being taken may lead to targeting individuals based on their perceived affiliations rather than actual criminal behavior. As the government enacts these policies, the implications for immigrant communities in the United States remain substantial, igniting debate over the balance between national security and human rights.