Donde Esta La Biblioteca? It's a Damn Shame: Outdated, Inadequate, and Nonexistent Law Libraries in Immigrant Detention Facilities

Abstract

This article proposes that all immigrant detainees should have meaningful access to a well-equipped law library, legal materials, and equipment. The article begins with an overview of the current lack of access to law libraries in immigrant detention facilities. The article then moves on to discuss the ongoing development of pending legislation, which would create a statutory right for an immigrant detainee to have meaningful access to a properly equipped law library. Finally, the article explores what it truly means to be a “properly equipped law library” and what level of access should be guaranteed to immigrant detainees.

Keywords: immigration, immigrant, detention, detention facilities, immigrant detainee, detainee, law library, immigration law