Stewart Detention Center – Overview and Information
The Stewart Detention Center is a for-profit prison located in Lumpkin, Georgia. It is owned and operated by CoreCivic, formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America. It is the largest immigration detention center in the United States and houses more than 1,700 migrant detainees, most of whom are held indefinitely while awaiting deportation proceedings.
The facility is generally used for short-term detentions, though some individuals have been held for years. Detainees have reported lack of access to adequate medical care; overcrowded and unclean living conditions; inadequate food; quality legal representation; and inadequate interpretation services.
The Stewart Detention Center is highly controversial and has been the subject of numerous protests. In December 2017, the Detention Center gained media coverage when activists and attorneys brought to light its inhumane conditions.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) is responsible for determining when a detainee needs to be detained at the Stewart Detention Center, often in an overreaching manner and in violation of civil rights. ICE has received widespread criticism for its continued use of the Detention Center even after a series of complaints about substandard conditions.
In August 2018, the Stewart Detention Center was transferred to the custody of the Georgia State Patrol for expanded supervision. The change was partly due to ICE’s termination of its longstanding contract with CoreCivic.
Individuals detained at the Stewart Detention Center have few legal rights and can be deported without being granted a trial. Demonstrators supporting detainees incarcerated in the facility have come from as far as New York and Mexico, staging protests outside the facility.
In June 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a rule change that could potentially cause the closure of the Stewart Detention Center, as well as many other ICE detention facilities. The rule, if approved, would require ICE to conduct rigorous inspections of the detainee’s conditions before they may be detained.
Stewart Detention Center – Classes, Services, and Programs
The Stewart Detention Center (SDC) in Lumpkin County, Georgia is an Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, facility that provides detention services and programs for immigrants who are facing deportation from the United States. The center is the largest immigration detention center in the United States, with a capacity of over 1,900 individuals, and houses both men and women.
At the SDC, individuals can take advantage of a wide variety of classes, services, and programs. The SDC offers educational classes that cover topics such as life skills, cultural orientation, and English as a Second Language. These classes are offered as part of the center’s “Comprehensive Camp Shops” program, which aims to improve the cultural orientation and life skills of the detainees.
The SDC also offers medical services, including routine check-ups, mental health services, and preventative care. There is also an on-site pharmacy available to individuals to procure needed medication. The center also operates another medical facility, the Stewart County Resource Center, which provides additional treatment and resources to detainees.
The SDC also offers programs aimed at providing detainees an opportunity to further develop their skills and abilities, including the Job Readiness and Skills Training Program. This program provides classes and workshops that prepare detainees for potential employment and careers in the United States, while also aiding in reintegration into American life.
The SDC also provides legal services and resources for detainees who wish to pursue their citizenship or fight for their asylum case. Detainees are able to access both free and low-cost legal representation in order to pursue these options.
The SDC also offers numerous recreational activities and amenities, including a library, recreational areas, gym, basketball court, and soccer field. These facilities provide the detainees with a much needed distraction from the difficult situation they are in.
Overall, the Stewart Detention Center provides a wide variety of classes, services, and programs that are designed to aid detainees in finding a better life in the United States, providing them with the education, resources, and tools to do so.
Inmate visiting application in Stewart Detention Center
Applying to visit an inmate in the Stewart Detention Center can seem overwhelming but it is a relatively straightforward process.
First, locate the Stewart Detention Center website and assess the available information regarding visitor applications. This website will explain the facility’s conditions of visitation, including the acceptable types of identification and any restrictions or prior authorizations required for visitors.
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, go to the Visitor Registration Form. Fill in the form with the relevant visitor information as well as the inmate’s name and prisoner identification number. It is also important to provide detailed contact information in case additional verification is needed.
There are a few things to consider when completing the form. For example, some facilities prohibit minors from visiting, so be prepared to provide proof of age for any minors you wish to include in the application. Fill in the spaces for the names and birthdates of anyone participating in the visit.
Finally, each visitor must be prepared to present official identification upon their arrival.Types of accepted identification can vary, so visitors should always check the facility’s information prior to arriving.
The Stewart Detention Center website can provide more detailed information on the visitation policies and expectations, so use it as a resource if you need assistance submitting the application or have any other questions. Once the application is complete and all listed requirements are met, visitors may be approved and proceed to the facility to meet with the inmate.
For up-to-date information about visiting policies and requirements at the Stewart Correctional Detention Center, visit the facility website.
Stewart Detention Center: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. What is the Stewart Detention Center?
The Stewart Detention Center is a federal immigration detention center operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Lumpkin, Georgia. The facility is located about two hours south of Atlanta and is one of the largest immigration detention centers in the United States.
2. Who is detained at the Stewart Detention Center?
The Stewart Detention Center primarily detains detained immigrants from Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and other countries who are facing deportation. It also holds individuals who have entered the U.S. without proper documentation, overstayed their visas, or have criminal records.
3. What types of services does the Stewart Detention Center provide?
The Stewart Detention Center provides medical care, mental health services, and educational, religious, and recreational programming for the detainees. The facility also provides legal advice and assistance.
4. Is there any way for a detainee to be released from the Stewart Detention Center?
In some cases, detainees can be released on bond or under the supervision of the ICE or a recognized charitable organization. However, this is a rare occurrence at the Stewart Detention Center and release is often only granted to those individuals who are considered a low flight risk and have a strong likelihood of appearing for court proceedings.
5. What is the contact information for the Stewart Detention Center?
The Stewart Detention Center is located at 1120 Stewart Circle in Lumpkin, Georgia 31815. Their telephone number is (229) 838-2500 and their fax number is (229) 838-2522.
