How to Get Out of a Detention Center in the USA – Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility | Full Information, Release Options (+ 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. It is designed to house individuals awaiting decisions on their deportation cases or asylum applications. The facility, which opened in 1994, has become home to tens of thousands of people in difficult immigration situations.
With a capacity to hold around 300 detainees, the facility houses mostly men, though a few women are also detained. The center is privately managed by CoreCivic, operating under a contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As a private institution, the center has faced criticism for poor living conditions, including inadequate medical care, substandard sanitation, and low-quality food. Detainees have experienced significant problems, including abuse and lack of access to essential medical services. However, it’s important to understand the conditions and the options available for detainees.

Conditions of Detention and Infrastructure
The conditions in Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility are difficult, with overcrowding being one of the most pressing issues. Detainees are often placed in cramped, multi-occupancy rooms, which limits their personal space and privacy.
Sanitation is also a major concern. The quality of food is poor, and detainees frequently report finding spoiled food, insects like flies and worms, and other sanitation issues. There are complaints about the lack of hygiene products and irregular cleaning schedules, which contribute to unpleasant conditions. Mold and pests are common problems, which make the environment not only uncomfortable but also potentially harmful to health.
Despite these challenges, it’s crucial to remember that there are still opportunities for release from this facility. With proper documentation and persistence, it is possible to secure your release.

How to Get Out of Detention
To leave the detention center, there are two parallel processes that need to be understood:

1. Release Process – The steps aimed at securing your release from the center.
2. Immigration Process – This involves asylum applications, court hearings, and other steps related to your immigration case.

These two processes happen at the same time and do not directly impact each other. For instance, participating in an asylum interview or court hearing does not influence the release process. Here’s a breakdown of the main steps for release.

Steps in the Release Process 1. Release on Parole
This is the quickest way to secure release from detention. To qualify, you need a sponsor who is either a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. The sponsor will need to submit a package of documents, including:

• A notarized sponsorship letter.
• Proof of housing availability.
• Support for attending immigration court hearings.
• Positive character references for the detainee.
• Proof of address (e.g., utility bills or bank statements).
• Proof of financial support (e.g., tax returns).

These documents can be sent to ICE via email, fax, or mail, or they can be submitted through the detainee.

2. Release on Bond
If parole is not an option, the detainee may be eligible for release on bond. A judge or ICE will set the bond amount, and once it’s paid, the detainee can be released. It’s important to provide evidence showing that the detainee does not pose a threat to the community and has strong ties to it.

3. Immigration Process
if parole or bond is not available, the detainee must go through the immigration process:

• Participate in an asylum interview to demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution.
• Attend master hearings and file the I-589 asylum application to begin the main process.
• The outcome of this process could lead to the granting of asylum or deportation.

Preparing the Sponsor Package
When seeking release on parole, the sponsor package is crucial. Here's what needs to be included:

• Sponsorship Letter: The sponsor writes this letter and it needs to be notarized.
• Proof of Address: This can be utility bills or bank statements.
• Proof of Financial Support: A tax return or other documents confirming income.

The completed documents can be sent through email, fax, or regular mail, or handed over by the detainee to ICE officers.

How to Obtain Refugee Status
One of the most effective ways to remain in the U.S. legally is by obtaining refugee status. Detainees in the facility can apply for asylum, and if approved, they will be granted refugee status, which opens the path to legal residency in the U.S.
The asylum process involves submitting the necessary documents and following the established procedure. This process can take time, but it is achievable with persistence. It is important not to miss deadlines for document submission. You can work with a qualified lawyer or a non-governmental organization (NGO) to ensure your case is properly prepared.

Conclusion
We’ve explored how U.S. immigration detention centers operate and what steps can be taken to secure your release. Simply waiting for a resolution will not yield a positive outcome. You must take proactive steps—work with attorneys, engage with ICE, and keep in touch with the detention center.
Every day counts, and being persistent and patient is key to changing your situation. Remember, applying for asylum and gathering the necessary documents can help you legalize your stay in the U.S.
Don’t waste time—act now! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. We are here to help you and your loved ones.