The term "hielera" refers to the Border Processing Center, where a person is taken and temporarily detained by border authorities upon being found entering the United States illegally.
According to testimonies, those who have been detained and taken to the iceboxes describe them as extremely cold, dirty, and overcrowded places, where the lack of adequate food, access to basic necessities, and necessary medical care is exacerbated. Furthermore, they also report a lack of access to a lawyer and/or adequate defense.
This detention center is known for:
- Extremely low temperatures : The temperatures inside the coolers are very cold, which contributes to the discomfort and suffering of the detainees.
- Unhealthy and inhumane conditions : The facilities are in poor condition, which affects the health and well-being of detainees.
- Lack of adequate food and schedule : Detainees do not receive regular or sufficient food, which can lead to health problems.
- Limited access to basic necessities : Detainees have difficulty obtaining basic products such as personal hygiene items.
- Lack of necessary medical care : Detainees' medical needs are often not adequately addressed, putting their health at risk.
- Limited access to legal defense : Detainees have little or no access to a lawyer to defend their rights and manage their immigration status.
These problems highlight the urgency of transferring detainees to more adequate and humane facilities, where they can receive the dignified treatment and basic services they deserve while their immigration status is resolved.
EN 
ES