January 15, 2008

Alternatives to Detention

Background

The Alternatives to Detention (ATD) Unit within the Office of Detention and Removal Operations (DRO), was formed in FY 2002 to develop and implement programs that were expected to improve aliens’ compliance with conditions of release, including but not limited to, their attendance at immigration hearings and compliance with final court orders.

The ICE residential standards are available for download at http://www.ice.gov/pi/topics/index.htm. A list of the standards and references follows below.

ATD Programs

The ATD Unit currently manages two contract programs: the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) and the Enhanced Supervision/Reporting (ESR) Program. These ATD programs were not intended to serve as an alternative for those legally required to be detained in DRO custody.

Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP)

First implemented as a pilot in 2004, ISAP is a core community-based supervision and in-person reporting program, which is used to monitor the activities of aliens released from ICE custody. ISAP employs case specialists who closely supervise the enrolled aliens, using a variety of effective tools to support the successful reintegration of the aliens into the community. As part of their participation in this release program, the ATD Unit requires that the alien participate in or comply with a variety of activities, including home and local office visits, employment verification and curfews. To ensure successful completion of the program, ISAP relies on electronic monitoring devices, telephonic reporting and unannounced home visits. In addition, participants must visit the ISAP office regularly. ISAP has also benefited from the ATD Unit’s collaboration with local communities. The ATD Unit has progressively introduced ISAP to select communities. To date, there are 12 ISAP offices nationwide: Baltimore, Md.; Delray Beach, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; Kansas City, Mo.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Miami, Fla.; New York City, N.Y.; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Portland, Ore.; San Francisco, Calif.; and St. Paul, Minn.

Enhanced Supervision / Reporting (ESR) Program

The ESR Program, like ISAP, employs supervision specialists who closely supervise participating aliens by using electronic monitoring devices, residence verification, home visits, in-person reporting and travel document information collection. This new program was established in 2007. Full ESR provides services within a 50-mile radius of 24 DRO field offices and three sub-offices (Charlotte, N.C.; Hartford, Conn.; and Orlando, Fla.). The ESR Program is distinct from ISAP, requiring fewer home and in-person reporting visits. ESR also does not incorporate community resource referral requirements. ESR also provides electronic monitoring services to the remaining DRO sub-offices.