Letters from an American February 7, 2026
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Feb 8, 2026 Discussion of a new mass detention policy and a controversial court ruling allowing detention without bond. Reports on rising detainee numbers, facility deaths, and paused medical care. Details about plans for mega detention centers, federal purchases of large sites, and local backlash. A call to consider collective responsibility for policies and their consequences.
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Mass Detention Policy Faces Judicial Rejection
- The Trump administration's new mass detention policy broadly expanded who can be arrested and denied bond.
- Courts have overwhelmingly found it likely violates law and due process in over 700 cases.
Rapid Growth In Immigrant Detention
- Detention numbers jumped from about 40,000 to over 70,000 people across 224 facilities.
- The expansion included children and many facilities run by private prison companies.
Deaths And Failures At Camp East Montana
- Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss saw multiple detainee deaths, including one ruled a homicide.
- Reporters and ICE oversight found systemic medical and standards failures at the facility.