ICE updates policies on use of Special Management Units

WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced today policy updates for the use of Special Management for detained noncitizens. This update closes out recommendations contained in a 2021 report by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General.

The updated Enforcement and Removal Operations policy focuses on how ICE tracks and reports the use of segregation and adds additional emphasis for ensuring the safety and welfare of detained noncitizens and facility staff as well as how the agency records and tracks these placements.

Special Management Units include housing units for noncitizens in administrative, non-punitive segregation or disciplinary segregation at ICE detention facilities.

ICE provides several levels of oversight to ensure detained noncitizens reside in safe, secure, and humane environments. All ICE-approved detention facilities are inspected by a third-party inspection team to ensure the applicable detention standards are met. ICE publishes current detention statistics, which includes data for vulnerable and special populations.