How to Get Out of Detention Center in the USA – Golden State Annex | Golden State Annex Full Information, Release Methods (+ Download Sample Applications)

Golden State Annex: Conditions of Detention and Release Process
General Information about Golden State Annex
Golden State Annex is an immigration detention center located in McFarland, California, at 611 Frontage Road. The facility was opened in 2011 and has a maximum capacity of about 700 individuals. The center primarily holds adult men, but it can also accommodate women and family groups. It is operated by The GEO Group under a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The main objective of the center is to detain individuals under investigation for deportation and immigration issues, as well as process asylum applications.
However, the center has faced criticism regarding its detention conditions. Inspection reports mention issues with sanitation, such as roof leaks, a lack of medical care, and high levels of stress among detainees.
Conditions of Detention and Infrastructure
Detention conditions at Golden State Annex can vary, but reports indicate that they leave much to be desired. The center has rooms for activities, consultations, and visits, as well as a kitchen to provide meals to detainees. However, the level of cleanliness within the facility has been questioned, with reports mentioning sanitation issues and insufficient cleaning frequency. Some areas have been reported to have pests and mold.
Meals are provided to detainees, but the quality and quantity of the food often receive complaints. Regarding physical activity, the center has both indoor and outdoor recreational areas, but time for these activities is limited, particularly depending on the facility’s security level.
In terms of hygiene, detainees are provided with access to showers and basic hygiene products, but, like cleaning, there are often issues with the frequency and availability of these items.
One of the serious drawbacks is overcrowding. The center typically holds about 136 detainees, which exacerbates the living conditions and creates a tense atmosphere among detainees. As a result, there are both single and multi-occupancy cells, which affect comfort and privacy.
Daily Routine and Rules
Life at Golden State Annex follows a structured schedule. Detainees wake up early, and their day starts with a morning roll call. Throughout the day, there are three meals, rest periods, and recreational time. Recreational activities are typically limited in time, but there are outdoor areas available for exercise.
Detainees are allowed to make phone calls, but these calls are limited in number and duration. Visits from family and attorneys are scheduled in advance, and visits are subject to specific restrictions.
Additionally, the facility has strict rules regarding detainee behavior, and movement within the facility is also limited.
Sanitation and Security Conditions
Sanitation at Golden State Annex has raised concerns, and despite regular cleaning, detainees report frequent instances of unsatisfactory cleanliness. Roof leaks and contamination in some rooms have also been noted in reports. Some parts of the facility have been found to have pests and mold.
Medical care is available at Golden State Annex, but there are numerous complaints about inadequate attention to detainees’ medical needs, as well as delays in receiving treatment. In addition, there have been reports of abuse by staff, which further exacerbates concerns.
Regarding security, the facility employs guards and video surveillance systems. However, the effectiveness of these measures is sometimes questioned due to reports of violence and abuse by staff members toward detainees.
Statistics and Metrics
The average duration of detention at Golden State Annex is around 60 days, but this may vary depending on individual circumstances. The center is actively involved in the deportation process for detainees, but specific data on the number of deportations is unavailable.
Detainees are frequently citizens of Mexico and other Latin American countries. There have also been cases of serious medical issues among detainees, but there is no specific data on deaths at the facility.
Release Process
Detainees at Golden State Annex may apply for release through immigration bond. However, the bond must be paid through the appropriate ICE offices, and its amount varies depending on the case's circumstances.
Detainees also have the option to apply for asylum. However, to obtain release on medical or humanitarian grounds, detainees must provide supporting documents, such as medical certificates, to justify the need for release.
In addition, there are several NGOs and legal organizations that assist detainees in the process of release. However, the main obstacles include the complexity of immigration procedures, financial limitations, and limited access to legal assistance.
Conclusion
Golden State Annex faces numerous challenges, including poor detention conditions, issues with sanitation and medical care, as well as cases of abuse by staff. However, the center maintains a clear schedule and provides several legal avenues for detainees' release, including immigration bonds and asylum applications. Despite critical reports and ongoing issues, Golden State Annex continues to play an important role in the U.S. detention and deportation system.