USA Continues to Violate LGBTQ Detainees Fundamental Human Rights in the Immigration Detention System

On International Human Rights Day, the Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project and Dreamers from across the country demand protection for LGBTQ Immigrants from the inhumane and dysfunctional detention system

NEW YORK, N.Y. - December 10, 2014 – Today, the United Nations (UN) celebrated 64 years of their International Human Rights Day. The U.N. LGBTQ Core Groups, which include the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch and International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission along with many other groups, hosted an event, which supported all families and family members. Dreamers and LGBTQ Immigrants rallied outside in solidarity with the U.N. to denounce the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) use of solitary confinement tactics in immigration detention. Such tactics leave LGBTQ immigrants vulnerable to the inhumane and dysfunctional U.S. detention system.

Carlos Padilla, National Coordinator of the Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project, a program of United We Dream said,

"As we commemorate International Human Rights Day, we must continue to hold the United States and in particular DHS and ICE accountable for their negligence in protecting LGBTQ immigrants human rights in the immigration detention system.

"It is on this day that we are reminded of our fundamental rights as humans to seek asylum from persecution in other countries. We strive for the day when LGBTQ immigrants will not be subjected to arbitrary detention, torture, or degrading treatment, all which is clearly stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Regrettably, LGBTQ detainees continue to be subjected to inhumane conditions once placed in the dysfunctional detention system.

"The use of solitary confinement, a tactic that the U.N has marked as torturous, is a disproportionately used on LGBTQ detainees under claims of protective custody. LGBTQ detainees continue to be 15 times more likely to fall victims of sexual assault by other detainees, and detention guards. The arbitrary detention placement of Transgender immigrants in detention facilities based on anatomy instead of self-assessed gender continues to put the Transgender immigrants at risk.

"The constant denial of medical treatment for LGBTQ detainees whether it be for HIV care or hormone treatment is an ongoing use, which caused the death of Victoria Arellano, a beloved trans woman who died due to ICE denial of AIDS treatment.

"We will not rest until LGBTQ immigrants no longer have to live in fear of the threat of detention and deportation. Secretary Jeh Johnson from DHS must act on providing alternatives to detention and end LGBTQ detention once and for all."

United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation, a powerful nonpartisan network made up of 55 affiliate organizations in 26 states. UWD organizes and advocates for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status, sexual orientation or gender identity. We seek to address the inequities and obstacles faced by all immigrant youth and believe that by empowering immigrant youth, we can advance the cause of the entire community—justice for all immigrants.