How to Get Released from a Detention Center in the USA – Port Isabel Detention Center | Port Isabel Full Information, Ways to Get Released (+ Download Sample Applications)

General Information about Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility
The Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility is one of the major immigration detention centers in the United States, located in New Jersey. This facility holds individuals who are awaiting decisions on deportation cases or asylum applications. Opened in 1994, the center has since become home to tens of thousands of people facing complex immigration situations.
The center can hold approximately 300 individuals, with the majority being men, although there are also some women detained there. It is operated by the private company CoreCivic, which runs the facility under contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This is not the only private facility of its kind in the U.S., and as you might expect, private companies often have little interest in providing comfortable conditions for detainees. The center has been criticized for its low-quality services, poor sanitation, and medical care. Detainees face real problems ranging from abuse to inadequate medical attention. But let’s break down what is really happening inside and how to avoid ending up in such a situation.
Conditions of Detention and Infrastructure
The conditions at the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility are quite difficult and leave much to be desired. The rooms in the center are overcrowded, often housing dozens of people in shared cells. Overcrowding is one of the most pressing issues at this facility. As a result, detainees are forced to live in cramped conditions with little space or privacy.
Sanitation conditions also raise concerns. The quality of food is poor, and detainees often complain that the food is spoiled. There have been reports of finding worms and flies in the food, which is extremely unpleasant and violates basic sanitary standards. People also complain about the lack of hygiene products and irregular cleaning of the premises. Issues with mold and pests are common, making the living conditions not only uncomfortable but also hazardous to health.
Despite all these issues, it's important to remember that there are ways to get released from this center. One must act decisively and prepare the necessary documents for release.
How to Get Out of a Detention Center
To get out of a detention center, it's crucial to understand that two processes occur simultaneously:

1. The Release Process (Parole) – This is aimed at your release from the center.
2. The Immigration Process – This includes filing for asylum, attending master hearings, and other steps related to your case.

These processes occur in parallel and do not interfere with each other. For example, participating in a credible fear interview or master hearings does not directly affect the release process. Let’s look in more detail at the stages of release.
Stages of the Release Process:

1. Release on Parole: This is the quickest way to be released. To qualify for parole, you need a sponsor – a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. The sponsor package includes:

• A notarized sponsor letter.
• Proof of housing guarantee.
• Support for attending immigration court hearings.
• Positive character references.
• Proof of address (e.g., utility bills or bank statements).
• Proof of finances (e.g., tax returns). The documents can be sent to ICE via email, fax, or mail, or delivered through the detainee.

1. Release on Bond: A judge or ICE sets a bond amount, and after the bond is paid, the detainee may be released. To qualify for bond, the detainee must prove that they do not pose a threat and have reliable community ties.
2. Immigration Process: If the other methods fail, the detainee must go through the full immigration process:

• Participate in a credible fear interview to confirm a well-founded fear of persecution.
• Attend master hearings, submit Form I-589 for asylum, and begin the main process.
• The conclusion of this process may result in the granting of asylum or deportation.

Preparing the Sponsor Package:

• Sponsor letter – Written by the sponsor and notarized.
• Proof of address – Utility bills or bank statements.
• Proof of finances – Tax returns or other documents proving income.
• Submitting documents – Documents can be sent via email, fax, mail, or through the detainee who will pass the package to the ICE officer.

How to Obtain Refugee Status
One of the most effective ways to remain in the U.S. legally is to obtain refugee status. Detainees in a detention center can apply for asylum, and if approved, they will be granted refugee status, which opens the path to legal residency in the U.S.
For this, you will need to gather the necessary documents. The process may take time and require effort, but it is entirely feasible. The key is to meet the filing deadlines and follow the prescribed procedures. A qualified attorney or nonprofit organization (NGO) can help you with this process.
Conclusion
We’ve discussed how immigration detention centers in the U.S. operate and the ways you can get released from them. Passive waiting will not lead to a positive outcome. Work with attorneys, cooperate with ICE, and contact the detention center regularly. Every day counts. Be persistent and patient, and only then will you have a chance to change your future.
Don’t forget that to legalize your stay, you can apply for refugee status and prepare all necessary documents, following the correct process.
Don’t waste time — act now! If you have any questions or need more information, contact us. We are here to help you and your loved ones.