Free Calls for Detainees -- Theoretically

I have a feeling this news won't generate a whole lot of sympathy for people who try to enter the United States illegally, but here it is: Apparently, the phone systems used at Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities leave something to be desired. The systems are used to allow detained immigrants to make free phone calls to consulates of their home countries for help, but the Washington Times reports that the Government Accountability Office has found "systemic problems" with the phones at 16 of 17 facilities reviewed.

In its defense, ICE notes that the number of detainees has gone from 95,000 in 2001 to 283,000 last year, and says the vast majority of calls don't go through due to reasons beyond its control--like a detainee hanging up or a consulate never picking up the phone. Still, the agency says it's committed to fixing problems with the system.