Cumulative Risk of Immigration Prison Conditions on Health Outcomes Among Detained Immigrants in California

Objectives The USA maintains the world's largest immigration detention system. This study examines the mechanisms by which detention serves as a catalyst for worsening health. Methods Using data from detained immigrants in California (n = 493) from 2013 to 2014, we assessed the prevalence of exposure to conditions of confinement hypothesized to negatively influence health; the extent to which conditions of confinement are associated with psychological stress, diagnosed mental health conditions, and/or declines in general health; and the cumulative impact of confinement conditions on these outcomes. Results We found that each condition increased the likelihood of one or more negative health conditions, but there was also a cumulative effect: for each additional confinement condition, the odds of worsening general health rose by 39% and reporting good health decreased by 24%. Conclusions Confinement conditions are associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes among immigrants detained in immigration prisons. Policies that seek to improve specific conditions in detention centers may remove some risks of harm, but alternatives to detention are likely to be most effective.

Automated summary

The USA has the world's largest immigration detention system, and research indicates that detention conditions have a negative impact on the health of detainees. Each confinement condition increases the likelihood of worsening health conditions, and the cumulative effect of these conditions leads to a decline in overall health.