Description

Some Barriers Detained Migrant Women Face

The author provides testimony of her experiences in federal immigration detention. In addition to addressing some of the barriers migrant women face in detention, such as medical neglect, lack of translators, and general dehumanization, she brings the reader’s attention to the role of foreign governments, in her case Mexico, and the inattention detainees receive from their consulates. Especially important is the lack of information on international prisoner transfers that are governed through binational treaties. These treaties allow for incarcerated foreign nationals to request a transfer to their countries of origin. Beyond marking the United States as responsible for the violence migrant women face during their detention, the author also makes Mexico accountable and demands a binational response to their situation.

migrant women, immigration detention, international prisoner transfer treaty

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 36:2 (2009): 104-105