Broward Transitional Center

Broward Transitional Center Information

An In-Depth Look at the Broward Transitional Center Immigration Detention Facility

The Broward Transitional Center, commonly known as BTC, is an immigration detention facility located in Pompano Beach, Florida. Operated under contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), BTC plays a significant role in the detention of immigrants awaiting asylum hearings or facing potential deportation. 

With a complex history and many controversies, BTC provides insight into the realities of immigration detention in America. In this deep dive, this article will explore all aspects of this facility.

History and Development of the Broward Transitional Center

BTC first opened its doors in 1998 as one of the only large-scale “purpose-built” immigration detention facilities in the country at the time. The facility was constructed and designed specifically to house immigration detainees under contract with ICE. The facility operates under ICE's Performance-Based National Detention Standards, which outline requirements for areas like health services, grievances, and detainee rights.
BTC has undergone various audits and accreditations over the years including by the American Correctional Association, the Department of Homeland Security's Prison Rape Elimination Act program, and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

In August 2002, ICE's predecessor agency INS awarded a contract to a private prison company, The GEO Group Inc., to operate BTC as a "transition center" for short-term non-criminal and low security immigrant detainees. This first contract set the stage for GEO's long-term involvement at BTC.

Over the next two decades, GEO's contracts would be renewed and expanded to provide additional capacity:

- In 2008, a new 5-year $20 million contract increased services for female detainees. 

- In 2014, another 5-year contract was awarded, further expanding BTC's scope. 

- In 2019, GEO's contract was renewed through 2034 after being extended indefinitely by ICE. 

GEO continues to run BTC today under contract with ICE, which pays the private company over $20 million annually. With the extensions, GEO now operates BTC under a twenty-million-dollar plus annual contract spanning decades.

Major upgrades have been made over the years including recreation enhancements and expanded medical facilities. But the core two-story detainee housing structure has remained since opening.

Daily Operations and Services at the Broward Transitional Center Facility

BTC is a highly structured and regimented environment optimized for security and control. Operations are overseen by a GEO-employed facility administrator, who manages various support staff across units like security, food service, and medical care.

With a capacity to house 700 detainees at one time, the facility utilizes a two-story layout with separate housing areas divided by gender. Detainees reside in open bay pods under constant surveillance. 

GEO provides internal food services and medical care through subcontractors. Keefe Commissary operates an on-site store where detainees can purchase approved items. 

Programs and services available to detainees include:

- **Education programs** - Self-help education and vocational classes

- **Work assignments** - Voluntary janitorial, maintenance, laundry jobs

- **Recreation** - Indoor and outdoor facilities, TVs and games 

- **Transportation** - Provided by GEO subsidiary for ICE needs

- **Religious services** - Chaplain and religious study options

- **Medical care** - Doctors, nurses, medications, clinics  

- **Mental health counseling** - For anxiety, depression, coping needs

- **Courtrooms** - On-site spaces for immigration hearings

- **Legal services** - Pro bono list and law library access

**Security and Control**

As a secure detention facility, BTC utilizes:

- Perimeter fencing and surveillance systems

- Patrols by on-site security and local police

- Restrictive housing units for violations

- Search procedures for all visitors

Categories of Immigrants Detained at Broward Transitional Center

BTC houses adult immigrants of all backgrounds, nationalities, and ages. Two primary categories of detainees include:

- **Undocumented immigrants** - Those lacking legal status after illegally entering or overstaying visas

- **Asylum seekers** - Individuals awaiting asylum hearings or results after claiming refugee status

Many detainees have no criminal background at all, while some may have minor non-violent offenses. All are deemed low-security threats by ICE standards.

In 2022, BTC maintained an average daily population of 364 detainees. Since opening, yearly totals have ranged from hundreds to thousands of immigrants passing through for stays ranging from weeks to months.

Here are some sample population statistics:

- In 2012, total detainees: 6,258 

- In 2011, total detainees: 7,673

- In 2016, single day population: 668 detainees

Life Inside Broward Transitional Center

Detainees at BTC live in regimented conditions optimized for control, not comfort. Typical daily life inside includes:

- **Housing** - Shared rooms in open bay pods under surveillance

- **Meals** - Cafeteria-style food service three times daily

- **Recreation** - Television, outdoor time, gym access 

- **Hygiene** - Shared bathrooms and scheduled showers

- **Uniforms** - Standard-issue clothing and footwear

- **Roll calls** - Multiple daily head counts and ID checks

- **Chores** - Voluntary janitorial and maintenance jobs 

- **Medical** - Submit requests for access to medical clinic 

- **Visits** - Limited scheduled personal and legal visits

Detainees have access to pay phones, messages, mail service, haircuts, religious services, and commissary items by order. Opportunities for education, exercise, and programming depend on the facility.

Controversies and Complaints Against the Facility  

Despite its stated mission, BTC has generated significant controversy regarding conditions and treatment of detainees over the years. 

Federal lawsuits, media exposés, and immigrant advocate reports have alleged inadequate access to medical care, poor mental health support, and violations of due process rights. 

Specific incidents highlighted include:

- Detainees with medical conditions like bleeding, broken bones, and asthma being denied timely care

- Overuse of solitary confinement as punishment 

- Strip searches and harsh treatment of detainees

- Sexual assault and abuse complaints against guards

- Prolonged or indefinite detention periods 

There have also been notable protests and events over the years:

- In 2010, rallies held against lack of medical treatment for detainees

- In 2012, Congress members wrote ICE urging review of conditions

- In 2019, the facility was featured in the documentary film "The Infiltrators"

GEO maintains the facility provides appropriate and approved services to all detainees safely and humanely per their ICE contract.

Visitor Policies: Who Can Visit Immigrants at Broward Transitional Center

Unlike prisons, immigration detention centers allow for various types of visitors, albeit with restrictions. BTC offers limited scheduled visiting for families and lawyers.

All visitors must provide identification, undergo security screening, and follow strict rules prohibiting contact with detainees and passing of items. Approved visit types include:

**Family Visitation**

- Weekend non-contact visits by appointment only
- Two visitors per detainee for 45 minutes each weekend

**Attorney Visits** 

- In-person legal visits 7 days a week 
- Virtual legal visitation and calls by appointment
- Private rooms provided for meetings

**Consular Visits**

- Approved meetings with detainee's home country diplomats

**Clergy Visits** 

- Spiritual counseling from approved religious leaders

**Media Interviews** 

- Restricted media access, detainee consent required

Specific policies for attorneys include:

- Call or email to schedule virtual legal visits

- Provide identification and credentials

- Visits allowed 7am - 7:30pm on weekdays

- Private rooms provided for legal meetings

Accessibility and Reporting Concerns 

BTC states that it aims to provide quality services to detainees and welcomes input from families and advocates. The facility provides contact information for submitting complaints, feedback, or reporting mistreatment.

Those with concerns about BTC can contact the following:

- BTC facility warden and administrators
  - Phone: (954) 973-4485

- ICE Office of Professional Responsibility
  - Phone: 1-833-4ICE-OPR
  - Email: [email protected]
  
- DHS Office of Inspector General Hotline
  - Phone: 1-800-323-8603
  - Email: [email protected]

BTC states they provide disability-related accommodations as needed to access programs. Parking and accessibility features are also available for visits.

Final Thoughts

For over 20 years, the Broward Transitional Center has carried out a crucial role in America's immigration enforcement system, for better or worse. As calls for reform continue, BTC provides a window into the realities within today's sprawling immigration detention complex. Though imperfect, understanding facilities like BTC remains vital to improving detainee treatment as well as shaping future policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

**What are the visitation hours at Broward Transitional Center?**

Visitation hours are limited and scheduled. Family visits are allowed on weekends by appointment. Attorneys can visit detainees 7 days a week during designated hours. 

**How do I send money to a detainee in Broward Transitional Center?**

You can deposit money in a detainee's account by using a credit card online, mailing a money order, or visiting the lobby kiosk. Consult the facility's website for instructions.

**What items can detainees have at Broward Transitional Center?** 

Detainees are provided basic necessities. They can also purchase approved commissary items and may receive authorized property like books and legal papers.

**How long do immigrants stay detained at BTC on average?**

Detention periods vary case by case. Many spend weeks to months at BTC awaiting asylum outcomes or deportation. Some may be detained indefinitely. 

**How can I file a complaint about conditions at Broward Transitional Center?**
You can contact the administrators or oversight bodies like the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility to file grievances or report mistreatment.

Phone: 954-973-4485

Physical Address:
Broward Transitional Center
3900 N. Powerline Road
Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & A-Number
Broward Transitional Center
3900 N. Powerline Road
Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Other Jails and Prisons

Search Broward Transitional Center Inmates

Search Broward Transitional Center Inmates

How Do You Find Someone in the Broward Transitional Center?

How to Find Someone in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detainee Locator

When someone that is not a US Citizen gets arrested in the United States, and they are here illegally, depending on what state or city they are arrested in, the person may be turned over to ICE. 

Many states such as New York and California, as well as hundreds of US cities, have declared themselves 'sanctuary cities' and do not turn over foreigners here illegally, even if they are committing crimes in their jurisdiction.

However, when an alien here illegally is turned over to ICE, and sent to one of the over 100 Immigration Detention Centers in the United States, the only way to try and locate where they are being detained is using the Online Detainee Locator System.


There are two ways to search for an ICE Detainee:

You can look them up using their assigned A-Number.

  • An A-Number is a 9-digit number that either looks like this: A-123456789, or like this 123-456-789. This is required if you do not know their name.
    It is also called a Registration Number when on a visa, or a USCIS# when on a Green Card.
    If for whatever reason the A-Number you have does not have 9-digits, you need to add 0s (zeroes) to the front of the number until the number has 9-digits.

    That number might then look like this:  001234567.


You can also try and look them up by using their name.

  • In order for this to be effective, you need to have the exact name that is either on their paperwork, or the the name with the exact spelling that they gave ICE. This is required.
  • You also need to know the country of their birth, or the country of their birth that they gave ICE. This is required.
  • Knowing their Date of Birth is helpful but not required to find them in the system.


Important things to know about using the ICE Detainee Locator

  • You do not need to set up an account to use the Detainee Locator System.
  • A-Number stands for 'Alien Registration Number'.
  • The System does not have information on all detainees in custody.
  • Juvenile names are NOT in the System.
  • The Detainee Locator System is updated every 8 hours, sometimes sooner.
  • If the detainee is being moved to a new facility, the new location will not be shown until they have arrived and are processed. 
  • No warnings or prior notice are given in advance of a detainee being moved.
  • While being transferred to a different facility they may still be shown online as being in the original facility.
  • If you are planning a visit, always call before you come to confirm the detainee is still at the facility and has not been moved.
  • To visit a detainee you must have some type of government issued photo ID, or other identification when photo identification is unavailable for religious reasons.
  • If you are unable to find the detainee using the System, contact the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in the area where you believe the person's immigration case was initiated or the Detainee Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) at 888-351-4024.

Pamphlets in various languages with Instructions on how to use the Online Detainee Locator System:

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
About the Broward Transitional Center

An In-Depth Look at the Broward Transitional Center Immigration Detention Facility

The Broward Transitional Center, commonly known as BTC, is an immigration detention facility located in Pompano Beach, Florida. Operated under contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), BTC plays a significant role in the detention of immigrants awaiting asylum hearings or facing potential deportation. 

With a complex history and many controversies, BTC provides insight into the realities of immigration detention in America. In this deep dive, this article will explore all aspects of this facility.

History and Development of the Broward Transitional Center

BTC first opened its doors in 1998 as one of the only large-scale “purpose-built” immigration detention facilities in the country at the time. The facility was constructed and designed specifically to house immigration detainees under contract with ICE. The facility operates under ICE's Performance-Based National Detention Standards, which outline requirements for areas like health services, grievances, and detainee rights.
BTC has undergone various audits and accreditations over the years including by the American Correctional Association, the Department of Homeland Security's Prison Rape Elimination Act program, and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

In August 2002, ICE's predecessor agency INS awarded a contract to a private prison company, The GEO Group Inc., to operate BTC as a "transition center" for short-term non-criminal and low security immigrant detainees. This first contract set the stage for GEO's long-term involvement at BTC.

Over the next two decades, GEO's contracts would be renewed and expanded to provide additional capacity:

- In 2008, a new 5-year $20 million contract increased services for female detainees. 

- In 2014, another 5-year contract was awarded, further expanding BTC's scope. 

- In 2019, GEO's contract was renewed through 2034 after being extended indefinitely by ICE. 

GEO continues to run BTC today under contract with ICE, which pays the private company over $20 million annually. With the extensions, GEO now operates BTC under a twenty-million-dollar plus annual contract spanning decades.

Major upgrades have been made over the years including recreation enhancements and expanded medical facilities. But the core two-story detainee housing structure has remained since opening.

Daily Operations and Services at the Broward Transitional Center Facility

BTC is a highly structured and regimented environment optimized for security and control. Operations are overseen by a GEO-employed facility administrator, who manages various support staff across units like security, food service, and medical care.

With a capacity to house 700 detainees at one time, the facility utilizes a two-story layout with separate housing areas divided by gender. Detainees reside in open bay pods under constant surveillance. 

GEO provides internal food services and medical care through subcontractors. Keefe Commissary operates an on-site store where detainees can purchase approved items. 

Programs and services available to detainees include:

- **Education programs** - Self-help education and vocational classes

- **Work assignments** - Voluntary janitorial, maintenance, laundry jobs

- **Recreation** - Indoor and outdoor facilities, TVs and games 

- **Transportation** - Provided by GEO subsidiary for ICE needs

- **Religious services** - Chaplain and religious study options

- **Medical care** - Doctors, nurses, medications, clinics  

- **Mental health counseling** - For anxiety, depression, coping needs

- **Courtrooms** - On-site spaces for immigration hearings

- **Legal services** - Pro bono list and law library access

**Security and Control**

As a secure detention facility, BTC utilizes:

- Perimeter fencing and surveillance systems

- Patrols by on-site security and local police

- Restrictive housing units for violations

- Search procedures for all visitors

Categories of Immigrants Detained at Broward Transitional Center

BTC houses adult immigrants of all backgrounds, nationalities, and ages. Two primary categories of detainees include:

- **Undocumented immigrants** - Those lacking legal status after illegally entering or overstaying visas

- **Asylum seekers** - Individuals awaiting asylum hearings or results after claiming refugee status

Many detainees have no criminal background at all, while some may have minor non-violent offenses. All are deemed low-security threats by ICE standards.

In 2022, BTC maintained an average daily population of 364 detainees. Since opening, yearly totals have ranged from hundreds to thousands of immigrants passing through for stays ranging from weeks to months.

Here are some sample population statistics:

- In 2012, total detainees: 6,258 

- In 2011, total detainees: 7,673

- In 2016, single day population: 668 detainees

Life Inside Broward Transitional Center

Detainees at BTC live in regimented conditions optimized for control, not comfort. Typical daily life inside includes:

- **Housing** - Shared rooms in open bay pods under surveillance

- **Meals** - Cafeteria-style food service three times daily

- **Recreation** - Television, outdoor time, gym access 

- **Hygiene** - Shared bathrooms and scheduled showers

- **Uniforms** - Standard-issue clothing and footwear

- **Roll calls** - Multiple daily head counts and ID checks

- **Chores** - Voluntary janitorial and maintenance jobs 

- **Medical** - Submit requests for access to medical clinic 

- **Visits** - Limited scheduled personal and legal visits

Detainees have access to pay phones, messages, mail service, haircuts, religious services, and commissary items by order. Opportunities for education, exercise, and programming depend on the facility.

Controversies and Complaints Against the Facility  

Despite its stated mission, BTC has generated significant controversy regarding conditions and treatment of detainees over the years. 

Federal lawsuits, media exposés, and immigrant advocate reports have alleged inadequate access to medical care, poor mental health support, and violations of due process rights. 

Specific incidents highlighted include:

- Detainees with medical conditions like bleeding, broken bones, and asthma being denied timely care

- Overuse of solitary confinement as punishment 

- Strip searches and harsh treatment of detainees

- Sexual assault and abuse complaints against guards

- Prolonged or indefinite detention periods 

There have also been notable protests and events over the years:

- In 2010, rallies held against lack of medical treatment for detainees

- In 2012, Congress members wrote ICE urging review of conditions

- In 2019, the facility was featured in the documentary film "The Infiltrators"

GEO maintains the facility provides appropriate and approved services to all detainees safely and humanely per their ICE contract.

Visitor Policies: Who Can Visit Immigrants at Broward Transitional Center

Unlike prisons, immigration detention centers allow for various types of visitors, albeit with restrictions. BTC offers limited scheduled visiting for families and lawyers.

All visitors must provide identification, undergo security screening, and follow strict rules prohibiting contact with detainees and passing of items. Approved visit types include:

**Family Visitation**

- Weekend non-contact visits by appointment only
- Two visitors per detainee for 45 minutes each weekend

**Attorney Visits** 

- In-person legal visits 7 days a week 
- Virtual legal visitation and calls by appointment
- Private rooms provided for meetings

**Consular Visits**

- Approved meetings with detainee's home country diplomats

**Clergy Visits** 

- Spiritual counseling from approved religious leaders

**Media Interviews** 

- Restricted media access, detainee consent required

Specific policies for attorneys include:

- Call or email to schedule virtual legal visits

- Provide identification and credentials

- Visits allowed 7am - 7:30pm on weekdays

- Private rooms provided for legal meetings

Accessibility and Reporting Concerns 

BTC states that it aims to provide quality services to detainees and welcomes input from families and advocates. The facility provides contact information for submitting complaints, feedback, or reporting mistreatment.

Those with concerns about BTC can contact the following:

- BTC facility warden and administrators
  - Phone: (954) 973-4485

- ICE Office of Professional Responsibility
  - Phone: 1-833-4ICE-OPR
  - Email: [email protected]
  
- DHS Office of Inspector General Hotline
  - Phone: 1-800-323-8603
  - Email: [email protected]

BTC states they provide disability-related accommodations as needed to access programs. Parking and accessibility features are also available for visits.

Final Thoughts

For over 20 years, the Broward Transitional Center has carried out a crucial role in America's immigration enforcement system, for better or worse. As calls for reform continue, BTC provides a window into the realities within today's sprawling immigration detention complex. Though imperfect, understanding facilities like BTC remains vital to improving detainee treatment as well as shaping future policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

**What are the visitation hours at Broward Transitional Center?**

Visitation hours are limited and scheduled. Family visits are allowed on weekends by appointment. Attorneys can visit detainees 7 days a week during designated hours. 

**How do I send money to a detainee in Broward Transitional Center?**

You can deposit money in a detainee's account by using a credit card online, mailing a money order, or visiting the lobby kiosk. Consult the facility's website for instructions.

**What items can detainees have at Broward Transitional Center?** 

Detainees are provided basic necessities. They can also purchase approved commissary items and may receive authorized property like books and legal papers.

**How long do immigrants stay detained at BTC on average?**

Detention periods vary case by case. Many spend weeks to months at BTC awaiting asylum outcomes or deportation. Some may be detained indefinitely. 

**How can I file a complaint about conditions at Broward Transitional Center?**
You can contact the administrators or oversight bodies like the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility to file grievances or report mistreatment.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Directions / Map to the Broward Transitional Center
Understanding US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

What is an ICE Detention Center?

Men, women, and children that are in the United States illegally and are apprehended by the US Border Patrol or ICE will most likely be placed in removal proceedings and may be detained in one of the more than 200 jails and detention centers that make up ICE’s detention system.

Many of the illegal immigrants that are detained are held in county and local jails that contract with ICE to detain immigrants. The rest are held in dedicated immigration detention facilities run by ICE or contracted to private prison corporations, including family detention centers that hold mothers and children.

What Determines if an Illegal Immigrant gets Detained?

ICE will typically detain an immigrant because DHS (Homeland Security) believes that an illegal immigrant is either a “flight risk” and may move to another location within the U.S. or that they pose a public safety threat. Detaining the person allows the government to guarantee that the person will show up for their hearing before an Immigration Court.

Some of the reasons that causes an illegal immigrant to get arrested and held in detention prior to their day in court is as follows:

The illegal immigrant has:

  • committed a crime, or multiple crimes
  • arrived at the border without a visa prior to formally applying for asylum or refugee status
  • an outstanding removal (deportation) order on record, either pending or past due, or
  • missed prior immigration hearing dates.

 

How do you find someone that is in an ICE Detention Center?

The first step to finding out if an illegal immigrant is in ICE or DHS custody is by using the ICE Detainee Locator.

It’s easier to find the person if you have an Alien Number (A#), if one exists. A green card or work permit will show this number. If you don’t have an A# the person is much more difficult to locate.

The information you will need is as follows:

  • the person’s full name as it appears in the ICE System. The exact spelling and the order of how the name is listed is required.
  • the person’s date of birth
  • the person’s country of birth

If you are having difficulty, try different spellings and the order of how the name is listed.

If the illegal immigrant was only recently detained, the ICE Detainee Locator may not be updated with the latest information. Keep in mind that ICE does not give information (online or over the phone) for people under 18 years of age. In such cases, you can only get information on them from the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations field office nearest you.

If the person you are looking for is not in an ICE Detention Center, they may have been taken to a local jail that contracts with ICE, so contact their local City and County Jail, all which can be found here.

Another option, short of the expense of hiring an Immigration Lawyer, is to go to this website and use their online form to get their help.

Once an illegal immigrant is located and you find out the facility where they are being held you need to find out the Deportation Officer that has been assigned to their case. The Officer can tell you how to call or visit the detainee, or pay for the detainee to be able to call you, or how you can send any needed items such as clothing, prescriptions, etc.

The last option, and the most expensive, is to hire an experienced immigration attorney to assist you in tracking down the Deportation Officer. If the person being detained requires specific medical care, an attorney can ensure that they receive that care.

If the detained illegal immigrant has been deported from America previously or has an outstanding removal order - in which case they have no right to see an immigration judge - they can be removed within a few days, or even hours, of the initial arrest.

Even if the government does not immediately remove the person, it is possible that they can be moved around to different Detention Centers. There is never a warning that a person is being moved around and during the transfer there is a complete blackout of any information.

How long are people held in ICE Immigration Detention Centers?

The time that an illegal immigrant is held in an ICE Detention Center can vary. It all depends on several factors such as the individual’s personal situation, criminal record, the severity of the crime they are being charged with, previous deportations and the current caseload that the Detention Center is dealing with.

This image portrays the most recent data available on the time a detained illegal immigrant remains in custody before their release and/or deportation.

Can you visit someone in ICE Detention Centers?

The short answer is yes. The person visiting an illegal immigrant in an ICE Detention Center must be lawfully present in the United States. In other words the visitor must have some form of currently valid immigration status at the time of the visit. A detention center or jail will not allow the visit unless visitor can show valid I.D. and offer proof that they are lawfully in the United States.

If you want to become a volunteer that visits illegal immigrants in order to offer emotional support, it may be possible. You can join one of these visitation networks by going here and contacting the network in your area.

What crimes can cause an illegal immigrant to be deported?

(The following information comes from Nolo.com, a trusted legal resource)

  • Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude (see list). This includes any attempt or conspiracy to commit such a crime. It does not include crimes that were committed that the illegal immigrant committed when they were under the age of 18 years, however the person must have been released from jail more than five years before applying for a visa or other immigration benefit. It also does not include crimes for which the maximum penalty did not exceed one year in prison and the person was not, in fact, sentenced to more than six months in prison.
  • Conviction or admission of a controlled substance violation, whether under U.S. or foreign law. This includes any conspiracy to commit such a crime.
  • Convictions for two or more crimes (other than purely political ones) for which the prison sentences totaled at least five years. This multiple-offense ground of inadmissibility applies whether or not the convictions came from a single trial and whether or not the offenses arose from a single scheme of misconduct or involved moral turpitude.
  • Conviction of or participation in (according to the reasonable belief of the U.S. government) controlled substance trafficking. This includes anyone who knowingly aided, abetted, assisted, conspired, or colluded in illicit drug trafficking. It also includes the spouse, son, or daughter of the inadmissible applicant if that person has, within the last five years, received any financial or other benefit from the illicit activities, and knew or reasonably should have known where the money or benefit came from.
  • Having the purpose of engaging in prostitution or commercialized vice upon coming to the United States, or a history, within the previous ten years, of having engaged in prostitution.
  • Procurement or attempted procurement or importation of prostitutes, directly or indirectly, or receipt of proceeds of prostitution, any of which occurred within the previous ten years.
  • Assertion of immunity from prosecution after committing a serious criminal offense in the U.S., if the person was thus able to depart the U.S. and has not since submitted fully to the jurisdiction of the relevant U.S. Court.
  • Commission of particularly severe violations of religious freedom while serving as a foreign government official.
  • Commission of or conspiracy to commit human trafficking offenses, within or outside the U.S., or being a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with such a trafficker according to the knowledge or reasonable belief of the U.S. government. Also inadmissible are the spouse, son, or daughter the applicant if they, within the previous five years (but when older than children), received financial or other benefits from the illicit activity and knew or reasonably should have known that the money or other benefit came from the illicit activity.
  • Conviction of an aggravated felony, if the person was removed from the U.S. and seeks to return (this ground of inadmissibility lasts for 20 years)
  • Seeking to enter the U.S. to engage in money laundering, or a history of having laundered money, or having been (according to the knowledge of the U.S. government) a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with money launderers.

These are the straightforward crimes that are mentioned in the immigration law. The statute also lists a number of security violations, such as involvement in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, Nazi persecution, totalitarian parties, and so forth.

Once an illegal immigrant is deported, how long before they can come back to the United States?

If an illegal immigrant has a deportation or removal order in their immigration file, it's possible that they won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. for five, ten, or even 20 years.

The applicable law comes from Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.).

Five-Year Ban: If they were summarily removed or deported upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry because they were found inadmissible, or if they came to the U.S. but were immediately put into removal proceedings and then removed or deported, they may be ineligible to return to the U.S. for five years. The five-year ban also applies if they failed to show up for their removal hearing in the United States.

Ten-Year Ban: If a ‘removal order’ was issued at the conclusion of their removal hearing in Immigration Court, they may not be able to return for ten years after their removal or departure.

Twenty-Year Ban: If they were convicted of an aggravated felony or have received more than one order of removal, they are barred from returning to the U.S. for 20 years. And if they entered without permission after having been removed, or illegally reentered the U.S. after having previously been in the U.S. unlawfully for more than one year, they may be barred from entering the United States for 20 years or permanently.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

This facility, known as "Broward Transitional Center" is also known as ICE Detention Facility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.