New this week from Solitary Watch:

Solitary Watch recently published the fact sheet “Solitary Confinement in Immigration Detention,” the ninth in a series of short publications that offer facts, analysis, and resources on a variety of topics related to solitary confinement in the United States. This fact sheet, written by Francisco Rodriguez, states: “Solitary confinement is utilized daily on migrants at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers across the country, often violating international human rights standards and even the U.S. government’s own policies. The practice is used as a method of control and punishment and is frequently applied arbitrarily. This not only enables physical abuse and racial discrimination against detainees, but also causes or worsens mental health damage, often leading to lifelong trauma or even suicide.” The fact sheet also notes that the number of migrants held in solitary is likely to grow under the new Trump administration, which has pledged to both greatly expand the use of immigration detention and further lower standards for detention conditions.

This week’s pick of news and commentary about solitary confinement:

Despite announcing changes to their solitary confinement protocols in December of 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not made the guidelines public. In response, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request demanding transparency. After weeks of inaction by ICE, the ACLU filed a lawsuit  seeking a court order compelling ICE to release its updated policy. In the suit, the ACLU argues that the public has a right to know how solitary confinement is being used, and that ICE’s secrecy prevents assessments of whether the changes align with human rights protections. Such assessments are necessary, as a recent report from Harvard Law School and Physicians for Human Rights found that ICE’s use of solitary confinement often violates international human rights standards, with at least 14,264 placements in solitary between 2018 and 2023.  Newsweek

A powerful piece by human rights attorney Qasim Rashid and Unlock the Box director Jessica Sandoval sheds light on the devastating impact of solitary confinement, which affects at least 122,000 people daily across the U.S. Recognized as a form of torture, solitary confinement inflicts severe psychological and physical harm and disproportionately impacts Black, Latino, and Indigenous individuals as well as other vulnerable groups. Rashid and Sandoval highlight how isolation increases suicide risk, worsens health outcomes, and undermines rehabilitation, ultimately making society less safe. Despite international condemnation, the U.S. continues to use prolonged solitary confinement, reinforcing systemic injustices. The piece calls for urgent action to end this inhumane practice. Let’s Address This with Qasim Rashid

North Carolina prisons are facing a crisis as suicides among incarcerated individuals reach record levels. In January, three men died by suicide in state prisons, tying the record for suicides in a single month. In 2023, 13 people died by suicide while incarcerated, also matching a state record. Advocates point to solitary confinement and severe staffing shortages as key contributors. Roughly 6% of North Carolina’s prison population is held in solitary confinement, yet these units account for about half of all suicides. Officials say they are working with UNC Charlotte and the National Institute of Corrections to address the crisis. The Charlotte Observer 

After multiple men at Red Onion State Prison set themselves on fire, the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) introduced an “Inmate Safety Agreement,” offering incentives like a fish fry and free commissary if incarcerated individuals refrain from self-harm. The ACLU of Virginia reports that those in the Step-Down Program, which involves up to 20 hours of daily cell confinement, were pressured to sign the agreement, and some lost electricity for refusing. Civil rights lawyers and other critics  condemn the agreement as coercive and punitive, highlighting ongoing concerns about the prison’s treatment of mentally ill inmates. The Appeal

A federal monitor overseeing Rikers Island is urging a delay on Local Law 42, the city’s ban on solitary confinement, warning it could make jail violence worse. The law is set to take effect in July 2025 and would strictly limit isolation as well as require hearings before placing detainees in restrictive housing. The monitor’s report backs the concerns of Mayor Eric Adams, who has been against the law from the start and originally put the law on hold with an executive order. Meanwhile, as a federal judge weighs whether to put Rikers under outside control, the City Council is fighting back and arguing the law is key to meaningful reform. Queens Eagle

Incarcerated writer Lexi Handlang reflects on the painful reality of “The Trend of Less”—how letters, calls, and visits from loved ones slowly fade over time. What once felt like a strong connection to the outside world starts to disappear, especially for those in solitary confinement, where mail doesn’t always make it through. While some are lucky to have consistent support, many are left feeling forgotten. Still, Handlang holds onto every letter and call, savoring even the smallest reminders that she’s not alone. Prison Journalism Project

Get this weekly roundup in your mail every Wednesday, covering the past seven days of solitary confinement news and commentary. Subscribe today.

The work we do is made possible by your support. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation—large or small—today.