Immigration detention refers to the practice of holding individuals who are in the process of being evaluated for their immigration status. This can include people who have entered a country without proper documentation or those whose visas have expired. Detention facilities are often used to ensure that these individuals appear for their immigration hearings and do not pose a flight risk. The conditions in immigration detention centers can vary widely, with some facilities resembling jails while others are more like shelters. Detainees may be held for days, weeks, or even months while their cases are processed. The goal is to manage immigration enforcement while balancing the rights and needs of those detained.