ICE allows media tour into Port Isabel migrant center

LOS FRESNOS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For the first time in years, the Port Isabel Detention Center in Los Fresnos gave the media a tour of the facility.

It is one of nine in the U.S. that treats asylum cases at a faster rate.

Currently, there are 1,006 people detained at the adult male-only facility. However, Miguel Vergara, who is the field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations in Harlingen, says that number changes as people are coming and going daily.

“It is one of eight additional facilities that is designated by the secretary to adjudicate asylum cases in a way that is faster than normal, so then we can effect the consequence of removing individuals from the United States who came and crossed illegally and were found not a right to remain," Vergara said.

The length of each detainee’s time in the facility is on a case-by-case basis.

As migrants arrive, they are provided a category based on the colors blue, orange and red.

Blue is for those whose crimes are breaking immigration laws. Orange is for those with misdemeanor crimes like a DWI and red is for non-citizens who have serious crimes like murder.

As the migrants are processed, they are provided information in up to 15 languages and a $40 stipend to spend in the facility for snacks.

Compared to last year, the number of detainees is lower. Although Vergara did not comment on the recent policy change by the Biden Administration, he says any drop is usually temporary.

“If there is a drop, it is only temporary," Vergara said. "It really depends on what is going on as migration right as you guys are aware is shifting to the west, so it has probably diminished a bit but it is only a matter of time before those facilities in the west get full and their detainees will be transferred that way.”

Inside the facility is an immigration court where one of five judges hear migrant cases. There are also private booths where they can talk to an asylum officer.

Medical care is also available as well as an outdoor recreational area, library and activity room. A way to pass the time while awaiting a final decision on whether they will be allowed to stay in the country.