On paper, immigrant detention centers meet standards to prevent sexual assault. But assault continues. Why?

Author

Samantha A. Maldonado, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow
Sarah V. Matusek, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow
Paula Moura, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow

Graduation Date

Fall 12-16-2018

Grading Professor

Lisa Riordan Seville

Subject Concentration

Investigative

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Abstract

Since 2014, Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees have been protected by the federal law known as the Prison Rape Elimination Act, or PREA, designed to make facilities safer, give detainees better access to report sexual harm and increase transparency. Advocates, lawyers and detainees, however, say these standards are limited, and that the ability to report abuse is easily thwarted. A consulting company, The Nakamoto Group, was hired to conduct ICE's PREA audits. But critics, including former ICE employees and the Department of Homeland Security's own watchdog, question the substance of the audits and charge that the company’s auditors have overlooked serious problems for years. A review of 30 available DHS PREA audits showed that substantiated cases of sexual abuse were found at several facilities that aced their audits.

Recommended Citation

Maldonado, Samantha A.; Matusek, Sarah V.; and Moura, Paula, "On paper, immigrant detention centers meet standards to prevent sexual assault. But assault continues. Why?" (2018). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gj_etds/655