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Report that ICE ends Family Case Management Program, an alternative to detention (ATD) program

  1. Original Date Announced

    June 9, 2017

    ICE is reportedly ending a Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program for asylum seekers covering special populations — such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and families with very young children — pointing to the program's expense and the small number of deportations associated with it compared to other ATD programs. [ID #263]

    Press Report: ICE shuts down Family Case Management Program
  2. Effective Date

    June 20, 2017
  3.  
  4. Biden Administration Action: Modified

    May 10, 2023

    2023.05.10 ICE announces new process for placing family units in expedited removal

    This Biden administration policy modifies the Family Case Management Program initiated pre-Trump administration and discussed in the commentary attached to this entry.

    On May 10, 2023, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) announced a process for family units apprehended at the Southwest Border who are processed for expedited removal and indicate an intention to apply for asylum or express a fear of persecution or torture. Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM) places certain heads of household for family units on Alternatives to Detention (ATD) technology — a GPS ankle monitor — for continuous monitoring and make them subject to a mandatory home curfew (11 p.m. to 5 a.m).

    View Document
  5. Biden Administration Action: Modified

    August 3, 2023

    Statement regarding the Family Expedited Removal Management Program

    On August 3, 2023, ICE announced that DHS is expanding FERM to "cities across the country." The program initially began in four cities in spring 2023 and has been quickly scaled up by DHS.

    Stakeholders report the following cities enrolled as of August 24, 2023: Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Newark, St. Paul, Washington, D.C., Houston, New Orleans, Boston, Providence, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Nashville, Seattle, Portland, Philadelphia, San Bernadino, Las Vegas, Marlton, NJ, Sacramento, San Antonio, and Los Angeles.

    On August 25th, 2023, FERM further expands to Manassas, VA; Charlotte, NC; Phoenix, Silver Spring, and King of Prussia, PA.

    View Document

Current Status

Partially in effect

Most Recent Action

August 3, 2023 Action: Modified Statement regarding the Family Expedited Removal Management Program
May 10, 2023
Acted on by Biden Administration
August 3, 2023
Acted on by Biden Administration

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Reported
Trump Administration Action: Change in Practice
Subject Matter: Detention
Agencies Affected: ICE

Associated or Derivative Policies

Pre Trump-Era Policies

  • January 8, 2016

    ICE commenced the Family Case Management Program (FCMP) on January 21, 2016, as an alternative to detention (ATD) initiative that uses qualified case managers to promote participant compliance with their immigration obligations. FCMP services include: • Orientation and education for participants about their legal rights and responsibilities; • Individualized family service plans; • Assistance with transportation logistics; • Tracking and monitoring of immigration obligations (to include ICE check-ins and attendance at immigration court hearings); and • Safe repatriation and reintegration planning for participants who are returning to their home countries.

    Fact Sheet: Stakeholder Referrals to the ICE/ERO Family Case Management Program

Commentary

  • ICE Scrapped Effective Immigration Program Because It Didn’t ‘Remove’ Enough People

    One year after scrapping a program that had a near-perfect record of ensuring that asylum seekers would show up for mandatory check-ins with immigration officials and attend their court hearings, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is standing by its decision to shut it down.

    Go to article on thedailybeast.com
  • Women's Refugee Commission: The Family Case Management Program

    This analysis of FCMP by the Women's Refugee Commission is based on final written evaluations of FCMP by both ICE and GEO Care (FCMP’s primary implementing contractor) that were conducted following the program's termination, as well as an interview with a former ICE official who was involved in implementing it.

    Go to article
  • Immigration: Alternatives to Detention (ATD) Programs

    An ICE review of FCMP in March 2017 showed that the rates of compliance for the program were consistent with other ICE monitoring options. The program was discontinued due to its higher costs as compared to ISAP III. Even with the higher costs, there is considerable congressional interest in FCMP's effectiveness in supervising families waiting in the backlogged immigration court system.

    Go to article on fas.org

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