How to get out of a detention center in the USA – Stewart Detention Center | Complete information, release methods, and important documents (+ download sample applications)

Immigration to the USA is a dream for many people seeking to improve their lives and start anew. However, the path to America is not always as simple as it seems. Even if you cross the border through Mexico, using the official CBP ONE app designed to simplify the process, you still risk ending up in immigration detention centers. And surprisingly, sometimes getting out of these facilities can be a real struggle.
Detention centers can hold people indefinitely, and deportation is a real threat. But there’s good news: if you act correctly, you can be released within 2-3 weeks and even obtain legal refugee status. Yes, within 6 months, you could become a US resident.
So, what should you do to be among those who are released with proper documentation, rather than those who risk deportation? Let’s break it down using the example of Stewart Detention Center, one of the largest immigration facilities in the US.
General Information about Stewart Detention Center
Stewart Detention Center is one of the largest immigration facilities in the USA, located in Lumpkin, Georgia. It houses up to 1,752 individuals, primarily men, but there are also women and transgender individuals. The center was opened in 2006 and has since become a significant part of the detention system, operated by CoreCivic, which has contracts with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Here, individuals are held under investigation for deportation cases and applications for asylum are processed. However, Stewart Detention Center has made headlines several times due to human rights violations, such as poor living conditions, lack of medical care, and cases of mistreatment by staff.
Living Conditions and Infrastructure
Detainees report poor conditions at the center, ranging from worn-out furniture to sanitation issues. Pests and mold are common, and the food quality leaves much to be desired. Complaints about spoiled food and low-quality meals are frequent.
Regarding physical activity, opportunities for exercise are limited, and access to outdoor spaces depends on the situation. The overcrowding of the center and multiple-occupancy cells do not contribute to privacy or comfort.
Daily Routine and Rules
A day at Stewart Detention Center begins early with a morning check, followed by three meals a day. However, meal times are often irregular, and portions are modest. Phone calls are allowed but come at a cost, making it difficult to communicate with family and expedite the release process. Visits are allowed but strictly limited.
Sanitation and Safety
As for sanitation, it leaves much to be desired. Pests and mold can seriously affect the detainees' morale. Medical care is provided, but detainees often complain about delays in addressing their issues, and there are even instances where people do not receive necessary medical assistance.
The center also reports cases of abuse by staff, which exacerbates the conditions further.
Statistics and Figures
The average length of detention at Stewart Detention Center is about 30 days, but depending on the situation, it can be longer. Last year, a significant number of people were deported from the center, mostly from Mexico. The asylum process has varying success, depending on many factors, including the quality of documentation and interaction with ICE.
How to Get Released from a Detention Center
Now let’s get to the most important part – how to get out of Stewart Detention Center? To be released, it's important to understand that there are two parallel processes:

1. Release process – aimed at getting out of the center.
2. Immigration process – involves applying for asylum and other stages related to your case.

These two processes can proceed simultaneously, and their success is not dependent on one another. Let's look at how to achieve release.
Steps in the Release Process

1. Release on Parole: This is the fastest option. It requires a sponsor – a U.S. citizen or green card holder. The sponsor must provide a package of documents, including a sponsorship letter, proof of address, and financial status.
2. Release on Bond: A judge or ICE will set a bond amount. After paying this amount, the detainee can be released. It’s important to demonstrate that the detainee does not pose a threat and has reliable ties to the community.
3. Immigration Process: If the previous methods don’t work, the full process needs to be followed: attending a fear interview, submitting Form I-589 for asylum, and other stages that can lead to refugee status or deportation.

Preparing the Sponsorship Package
To speed up the release process, it’s necessary to prepare a sponsorship package. It should include:

• A sponsorship letter, signed and notarized.
• Proof of address (utility bills or bank statements).
• Proof of financial status (tax returns or other documents verifying income).

The package can be sent via email, fax, or mail to ICE. Regular follow-up with ICE helps expedite the process.
Conclusion
Now you know how Stewart Detention Center operates and how to get released. Remember, much depends on your actions. Don’t wait for someone else to do everything for you – act, write letters, make calls, and send documents to the center!