Migrants Languish in U.S. Detention Centers Facing Dire Conditions and Prolonged Waits

Prolonged detention has become more common under President Trump's second term, as immigration judges are prohibited from releasing detainees during deportation case backlogs.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Migrants detained in U.S. immigration facilities are facing dire conditions, including worms in food, non-functioning toilets, and overflowing sewage. Many have been held for months or even years without seeing an immigration judge, leading some to give up on their asylum cases and request deportation. The Trump administration is offering plane fare and $2,600 for voluntary departure, but detainees say they can't leave until seeing a judge.

Why it matters

The prolonged detention of migrants, even those who have won protection under international laws, highlights the harsh realities of the U.S. immigration system under the Trump administration's policies. The dire conditions and lack of due process raise concerns about human rights violations and the treatment of vulnerable populations seeking asylum.

The details

Migrants like Felipe Hernandez Espinosa, a 34-year-old Nicaraguan asylum seeker, have been held for months in detention centers with reports of worms in food, non-functioning toilets, and insect infestations. Hernandez has been detained for nearly 7 months and is still waiting for his hearing, despite requesting to be deported multiple times. Others, like a Chinese man held for over a year without seeing a judge, are also being held indefinitely even after indicating they are ready to leave the country.

  • Hernandez has been detained for nearly 7 months since his arrest in July 2026.
  • A hearing for Hernandez was originally scheduled for February 26, 2026 but was abruptly canceled without explanation.
  • Hernandez's new hearing date was scheduled in early February 2026.

The players

Felipe Hernandez Espinosa

A 34-year-old Nicaraguan asylum seeker who has been detained for nearly 7 months in U.S. immigration facilities.

Yashael Almonte Mejia

A migrant who has been detained for 8 months since the government sought dismissal of his asylum case in May 2025.

Judith Mejia Lanfranco

The aunt of Yashael Almonte Mejia, who says he has gone through depression and desperation during his prolonged detention.

Ana Alicia Huerta

A senior attorney at the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice who has encountered multiple detainees ready to be deported but still being held.

Sui Chung

The executive director at Americans for Immigrant Justice, who says the poor conditions in detention centers are causing people to give up on their cases.

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What they’re saying

“I came to this country thinking they would help me, and I've been detained for six months without having committed a crime. It is been too long. I am desperate.”

— Felipe Hernandez Espinosa

“All are telling me: 'I don't understand why I'm here. I'm ready to be deported.'”

— Ana Alicia Huerta, Senior Attorney, California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice

“They're just holding these people indefinitely. We're seeing people who actually win their immigration cases just languishing in jail.”

— Sarah Houston, Managing Attorney, Immigrant Defenders Law Center

“He has gone through depression. He has been very bad. He is desperate and he doesn't even know what's going to happen.”

— Judith Mejia Lanfranco, Aunt of Yashael Almonte Mejia

“Time was passing and I was desperate, afraid that they would send me to another country. I didn't know what was going to happen to me.”

— Anonymous Mexican Detainee (Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in Felipe Hernandez Espinosa's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The prolonged detention of migrants, even those who have won legal protections, highlights the harsh realities and human rights concerns within the U.S. immigration system under the Trump administration's policies. The dire conditions and lack of due process are causing many detainees to give up on their cases and request deportation, despite fearing for their safety if returned to their home countries.