Monthly vigils continue outside Aurora ICE deportation center
By Yesenia Robles

Posted: 05/04/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
Updated: 05/04/2010 07:52:23 AM MDT


After a year of monthly vigils outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement center in Aurora to speak against detention practices, not much has changed inside.

But the crowds outside the center, where just under 400 illegal immigrants await deportation, continue to believe they can influence policy.

"It's too soon to tell if they're listening, but there is a willingness there to at least start the conversation," said Jennifer Piper, one of the organizers of the gatherings.

Illegal immigration and detention policies are thorny, but these protesters want to ensure detainees have basic human rights, regardless of their criminal status.

This month's gathering, held Monday night and marking a year of demonstrations, drew 215 people, including the families of detainees and other activists. Previous gatherings have drawn about 100 people.

Organizers said they hope to change three things: They want better oversight of detention centers to ensure they follow national standards; better treatment of detainees; and for those who have no criminal history to remain free during court proceedings.

ICE spokesman Carl Rusnok said centers and jails used to house illegal immigrants are inspected annually. Those that receive deficient grades two years in a row have six months to correct the problems or the inmates are transferred out.

"Our standards are even more stringent than the American Correctional Association," Rusnok said. "There are many facilities that cannot meet our standards, and we do not use these facilities."

Piper argues that the process is not working that way, and that even with bad inspections time and again, she sees no changes.

According to data gathered from ICE by The New York Times, Aurora's detention center in 2007 and 2009 received acceptable grades; no information was available for 2008. Jails in Jefferson, Mesa and Moffat counties have received deficient grades for the past three years. Each of the jails held fewer than 10 ICE detainees each year.

Organizers want to see more people who do not have criminal records released on bail until their cases are resolved.

Rusnok said each case is evaluated individually.

"Immigration is much more complicated. People make it appear simpler than it is," Rusnok said.

Still, those gathered at the Monday night vigil are waiting for changes.

"Even if nothing else changes yet, what I've seen is the people inside don't feel alone anymore," said Rosa Torres, who regularly attends the gatherings. "But there will be change; I just don't know when."


http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_15010956