John Morton, the assistant secretary of Homeland Security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), announced new measures this week that will modernize the detention system that affects undocumented immigrants. The measures include online tracking of detainees and placing new federal supervisors in highly populated areas.

At a presentation sponsored by the well-known Migration Policy Institute (MPI), Morton took advantage of the opportunity to elaborate on initiatives announced in October regarding large-scale reform of the detention system.

In a room jam packed with people, the assistant secretary stated with steadfast confidence that he expects to increase the number of individuals removed from ICE custody. Nearly 380,000 people are detained each year at 400 detention facilities.

"Reforming the detention system is my personal priority. We can't turn back now; we're going to make an aggressive effort to fix it," Morton said.

After a series of reports that exposed the dangerous and inhumane conditions witnessed in many cases of individuals in ICE custody, ICE announced a campaign for fundamental reform. According to ICE reports, since 2003, 107 immigrants have died while in detention.

The initiatives announced in October include an overhaul of nearly 300 contracts with detention centers; the possible use of hotels, motels, and other places to detain immigrants seeking asylum who do not have criminal records; and to seek alternatives to detention – for example, by securing a special ID band around the ankles of detainees.

Morton declared that ICE has drawn up a protocol for dealing with cases where detainees die inside centers, which requires ICE to investigate all deaths. He said that on June 1st, the online system for tracking detainees will go into effect. The system will provide information on where individuals are being detained, the charges against them, visiting hours, etc.

Simultaneously, regional administrators will be assigned to cases of individuals with serious medical problems. Over 50 employees will be hired to work at the largest detention centers, where they will supervise daily operations. Altogether, they will oversee more than nearly 80 percent of the people detained by ICE.

Morton also emphasized that ICE is developing a classification system that will determine the level of risk a detainee poses; if he or she needs medical care; and, based on that, where to send the detainee.

"We had a tendency to depend too much on outside companies and we didn't have a single federal employee supervising the detention centers. To develop a well-functioning system will take time, possibly long after I leave my position, but we are taking key steps in that direction," he assured.

When asked about alternatives to detention – which include a current pilot program that uses bracelets with ID numbers – Morton stressed that success depends on the time it takes for judges to process a case.

"For a system like this one to be truly effective, we need to increase the number of immigration judges. If we don't, then we won't get anywhere," he said.

ICE will present a report to Congress over the next few weeks with an update on progress made so far and possibly the need for a larger budget.