Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, the Atlanta City Detention Center (ACDC) stands as a formidable structure, housing a complex history and stirring various discussions about its role in the community. Since its establishment in 1995, this high-rise jail has undergone significant developments, controversies, and transformations. This in-depth article will delve into the multifaceted aspects of ACDC, providing a comprehensive understanding of its history, mission, operations, security levels, recent changes, and the controversies surrounding it.
Introduction
The Atlanta City Detention Center, or ACDC, is owned by the City of Atlanta and operated by the City of Atlanta Department of Corrections. It has been a focal point of discussions and public scrutiny due to its evolving role in the community. Understanding the history and purpose of ACDC is crucial to grasp its significance.
A Brief History
ACDC was opened in 1995, and its location at 254 Peachtree St. SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, places it in the heart of the city. Its history is intertwined with the 1996 Olympic Games hosted by Atlanta, a time when its population significantly increased. The jail's population surged from 2,200 to 4,500 during the Olympics, raising questions about its role in the community. It's vital to recognize the context in which ACDC was established, as this influences its subsequent developments.
The establishment of ACDC in 1995 marked a significant chapter in the city's history. The decision to build a high-rise jail coincided with Atlanta's preparations to host the 1996 Olympic Games. The city needed a facility to handle the potential increase in the detainee population during the event. ACDC was the answer, and its doors opened just in time to accommodate the surge.
Mission and Operations
The City of Atlanta Department of Corrections is entrusted with the mission of providing a safe and secure correctional environment while enhancing public safety through partnerships with the community and law enforcement. The operations of ACDC fall under the jurisdiction of the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. These operations are critical in maintaining the facility's day-to-day functions.
The mission of the City of Atlanta Department of Corrections is multifaceted. It includes not only providing a secure correctional environment but also fostering public safety through partnerships with the community and law enforcement agencies. This mission underscores the complex role ACDC plays in the larger ecosystem of public safety in Atlanta.
Inmate Security Levels
Understanding the security levels within ACDC is essential to appreciate the nuances of its operations. Although the source material does not explicitly state the security levels, it's inferred that ACDC houses inmates with varying security classifications based on available information. Inmate security classifications are typically categorized as maximum, medium, and minimum, each associated with its unique characteristics and considerations. The high-rise structure of ACDC has a direct impact on the housing and observation of maximum security inmates, as they are placed on the third floor and are subject to continuous monitoring.
In summary, ACDC accommodates male and female detainees of all security classification levels, including Level I (lowest threat), Level II (medium threat), and Level III (highest threat). These security levels play a pivotal role in the facility's day-to-day operations.
Inmate security classifications are a critical aspect of ACDC's operations. These classifications, defined as maximum, medium, and minimum, serve to categorize detainees based on the level of threat they pose and other factors. The source material suggests that maximum security inmates, typically considered highly dangerous or prone to escape, are housed on the third floor. This specific location allows for their continuous monitoring by corrections officers stationed in a control booth.
Recent Changes and Controversies
Recent developments have stirred significant controversy around ACDC. In September 2020, the City of Atlanta engaged the Vera Institute of Justice to explore the possibility of closing the facility. One of the most contentious aspects of ACDC has been its involvement in a contract with ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) to rent cells for detaining immigrants. The city received $78 per detained immigrant per day, and a staggering $6 million was generated from this contract in the 2016 fiscal year alone.
However, in June, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that ACDC would temporarily cease accepting newly detained immigrants from ICE. The city's financial profits from this endeavor have raised questions about the ethical and humanitarian aspects of detaining immigrants.
A report titled "Inside Atlanta’s Immigrant Cages" by Project South and Georgia Detention Watch has shed light on the harsh conditions inside ACDC. The report, a culmination of interviews with detainees, attorneys, facility tours, and the examination of hundreds of documents, paints a grim picture of life within the facility. The detainees reported instances of intimidation, unsanitary living conditions, inadequate medical care, and subpar food quality. The use of solitary confinement without clear reasons has raised concerns about human rights.
Recent changes and controversies surrounding ACDC have raised important questions about its role and ethics. The engagement of the Vera Institute of Justice in 2020 to explore the possibility of closure reflects the evolving dynamics of the facility.
The Call for Closure
The Southern Center for Human Rights and Project South, among other advocates, have called for the closure of ACDC. This call is prompted by several factors, including the passage of a cash bail reform ordinance and the temporary cessation of the contract with ICE. The cost of maintaining ACDC has become a significant concern. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has acknowledged the financial burden and expressed doubts about its cost-effectiveness.
In response to these calls, ACDC's role in the community and its future have become central topics of discussion and decision-making.
The call for the closure of ACDC stems from a combination of factors, including fiscal considerations and evolving policies. The passage of a cash bail reform ordinance, in particular, has had a profound impact on the cost-effectiveness of keeping ACDC operational. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms' acknowledgment of the financial challenges reinforces the urgency of addressing the facility's future.
Inmate Population and Facility Capacity
The Atlanta City Detention Center (ACDC) operates within a carefully defined set of parameters, designed to meet the needs of its community. It's important to consider key statistics that shed light on its functionality:
• Designed facility capacity: 1314
• Current population of facility: 44
• Average daily population for the past 12 months: 45
• Has the facility been over capacity at any point in the past 12 months? No
• The facility holds both female and male detainees.
• Age range of population: 17-99
• Facility security levels/inmate custody levels: Minimum
• The facility does house youthful inmates.
In a bid to ensure smooth operations, ACDC is managed by a dedicated team. It is noteworthy that:
• The number of staff currently employed at the facility who may have contact with inmates stands at 150.
The facility's capacity to accommodate inmates has evolved over time, with a designated facility capacity of 1314. In the past 12 months, the average daily population has hovered around 45. These statistics provide insight into the facility's operational dynamics.
Designated Capacity and Housing Units
ACDC's structure and capacity play a significant role in determining its functionality. It's crucial to acknowledge the physical characteristics of the facility:
• Average daily population for the past 12 months: 50
• Number of inmate/resident/detainee housing units: 22
• The facility does house youthful inmates or youthful/juvenile detainees.
The facility's layout, with 22 inmate housing units, is designed to manage the diverse population it serves, including youthful inmates. The variance between the designated capacity and the average daily population reflects the evolving nature of ACDC's role in the community.
Conclusion
The Atlanta City Detention Center, established in 1995, has been a dynamic institution, shaped by its history and the changing landscape of immigration policies and justice reform. It has served various purposes over the years, including housing detainees during the 1996 Olympics and, more controversially, detaining immigrants for profit. The recent call for its closure highlights the ongoing dialogue about the ethics and cost-effectiveness of such facilities in the community.
As discussions continue, the Atlanta community remains at the forefront of advocating for change and seeking a more just and equitable system for all. The story of ACDC serves as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding incarceration, immigration, and the need for reform in our justice system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I contact the Atlanta City Detention Center?
You can contact the Atlanta City Detention Center by calling 404.865.8099.
2. How can I search for an inmate at ACDC?
You can use the Inmate Search database offered by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office to search for an inmate.
3. What are the visiting hours for the Atlanta City Detention Center?
Visiting hours are as follows:
• Wednesdays: 8:00 am to 10:00 am, 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, and 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
• Saturdays: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Visitors should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled visitation time with proper identification.
4. Has ACDC ever been over capacity in the past 12 months?
No, according to available data, the facility has not been over capacity in the past 12 months.
5. How do I send money to a detainee in Atlanta City Detention Center?
To send money to a detainee in the Atlanta City Detention Center, you may need to follow specific guidelines and use authorized methods. For detailed instructions, it's advisable to contact the facility directly or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone: 404-893-1210
Physical Address:
Atlanta City Detention Center
254 Peachtree Street Southwest
Atlanta, GA 30303
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & A-Number
Atlanta City Detention Center
180 Spring Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Other Jails and Prisons
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.
You can look them up using their assigned A-Number.
You can also try and look them up by using their name.
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:
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:
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)
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.
This facility, known as "Atlanta City Detention Center" is also known as ICE Detention Facility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
