WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Last week, the Los Angeles Times reported that many illegal immigrants are reportedly being forced to work at various detention centers for $1-3 a day, and sometimes for free.
“The work program is entirely voluntary and provides an outlet for those in detention to feel productive and contribute to the orderly operations at the facilities.”
However, Rocha emphasized that work is voluntary and jobs are in high demand.
“There is usually more interest to participate in the Voluntary Work Program than there are jobs available.”
He added that the work “improves morale, encourages discipline, and reduces expenses for the immigration detention system.”
Detainees can only do work that directly contributes to the operation of the detention center. Detainees are allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours per week.
