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Examining Canada’s Immigration Detention Centers Through Personal Stories
Osama Al-Hadad’s journey began as he fled Yemen and sought asylum at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. Upon his arrival, he was taken into custody due to a lack of proper identification. After spending over a month in the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) immigration holding center, he was released on February 19 once his identity was confirmed.
Al-Hadad described his time in the facility as anything but punitive. There were 70 others detained at the center for various reasons, ranging from immigration violations to criminal backgrounds, among a total of thousands processed annually through Canada’s three detention centers.
Recently, The Canadian Press and other media outlets were granted rare access to the large compound in Toronto. Within its dormitory-style living units, detainees had the freedom to move about, watch television, and engage with fellow residents. The facility is equipped with a gym, a library, and a multi-faith prayer room, and offers a diverse menu that accommodates specific dietary needs, along with weekly yoga and addiction recovery classes.
Reflecting on his experience, Al-Hadad shared that the staff treated him with dignity and respect, particularly significant given the backdrop of a decade-long civil war in Yemen, which has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation. “They cared about our health, our food, our daily routine, providing all our needs. They make you feel human,” he expressed through a translator after his release, highlighting a surprising level of care that he felt he wouldn’t receive even in his home country.
The tour of the facility presented a juxtaposition against the strict and often harsh immigration policies observed in the United States, particularly during the Trump administration. Reports from various organizations have illuminated the discrepancies in treatment, with many individuals in the U.S. facing prolonged detentions under inhumane conditions, often without adequate legal representation.
A Contrast in Approaches to Detention
Amidst increasing immigration crackdowns in the U.S., where many have been held in abusive conditions, Canada’s approach to immigration detention is notably different. Sajjad Bhatti, the director of immigration enforcement operations at CBSA, stated that the purpose of detention in Canada is not to rehabilitate or punish, but to manage risks related to identity or flight. He noted that while most detainees may pose no immediate danger, a subset of individuals with criminal histories is also present.
Toronto’s immigration holding center serves as the largest of the three in Canada, with a capacity for 195 individuals. In 2023-2024, over 4,000 detentions were logged across the nation’s centers. Simultaneously, nearly 13,000 individuals were enrolled in an alternative to detention program, which allows for conditional releases, illustrating a growing recognition of the need for humane alternatives.
Robert Israel Blanshay, an immigration lawyer with years of experience in working with CBSA detainees, commented on the evolvement of these facilities over the years, acknowledging positive changes while advocating for further improvements. He stated that the presence of detainees without serious criminal offenses should not be intertwined with those viewed as dangerous offenders, highlighting the grave implications of detention for individuals lacking proper documentation.
Despite improvements in conditions, legal access remains a significant concern for many immigration detainees. With Canada deporting over 16,000 foreigners in 2024, the government’s plans include a further increase in removals in the coming years to address border enforcement and security-related challenges.
Conditions Within the Detention Centers
Visitors to the Toronto detention center observed a communal living environment, where detainees have access to medical assessments and meals shortly after arrival. They undergo initial hearings to assess their admissibility within 48 hours, with the process aimed at determining whether those who pose significant risk can be held longer. The average detention duration is approximately 15 days.
When it comes to minors, the trend has been toward drastically reduced numbers, with only three minors held in the facility this year. Bhatti emphasized that detaining minors should be a last resort, while Blanshay argued firmly that children should never find themselves in detention facilities under any circumstances.
As Canada continues to navigate the complexities of immigration, the contrasting methodologies in treatment and the ongoing need for reform in detention practices remain critical topics for discussion and action.
Source
globalnews.ca