Detained immigrants with mental illness ranging from schizophrenia to manic depression face many challenges: they are often not given a proper medical evaluation upon detention, receive no treatment or inadequate treatment for their condition, are transferred to detention centers states away from their families and medical records, may lack access to legal counsel and may be unable to defend themselves from deportation.

A recent report by Texas Appleseed has several great policy recommendations for ICE to implement that are highlighted in the petitionbelow.

Also make your voice heard by calling:

*DHS Secretary, Janet Napolitano: (202) 282-8000

"Hi, I'm calling to urge ICE to implement fair and humane treatment of detained immigrants with mental disabilities. I ask Secretary Napolitano to push for changes in policy to ensure that these immigrants are given proper evaluation, medical care and alternatives to deportation if they are not a flight risk. Thank you."

*DHS Assistant Secretary John Morton: (202) 732-3000

"Hi, I'm calling to urge ICE to implement fair and humane treatment of detained immigrants with mental disabilities. I ask Assistant Secretary Morton to push for changes in policy to ensure that these immigrants are given proper evaluation, medical care and alternatives to deportation if they are not a flight risk. Thank you."