Deaths of immigrants in U.S. held for deportation spark scrutiny

The intensely debated topic of immigration reform has been the major focal point on Capitol Hill, but there exists a darker side to the issue that's shrouded by secrecy and often overlooked by the media. As of 2004, there have been 62 deaths in immigration detection centers, due to overcrowding, lack of basic civil amenities, and administrative negligence.

No government body is charged with accounting for deaths in immigration detention, a patchwork of county jails, privately run prisons and U.S. government facilities where more than 27,500 people who are not U.S. citizens are held on any given day while the government decides whether to deport them.

Strict immigration policies coupled with vague constitutional requirements have left an impression of injustice and many questions unanswered for the families of the victims.