Evident Media Launches Investigative Database Tracking Immigrant Detention

WASHINGTON, DC – As mass detention of immigrants rapidly expands across the U.S., a new investigative database from the Emmy-winning nonprofit news organization Evident Media tracks key metrics about detention facilities, the companies powering ICE operations, and the people swept up in the Trump administration’s deportation system.

The Mass Detention Database collects and curates information from government sites, contracts, and verified reporting. Along with tracking important figures, such as the number of people detained daily and the number of U.S. citizens by the Department of Homeland Security, the site features interactive maps showing worksite raids and detention facilities.

Created by data journalist Michael Sparks, the database is an extension of Evident’s mission to produce investigative visual journalism for the public good. The site is free to use and all of its data and graphics are available for embed. At launch, Evident is partnering with the Institute for Nonprofit News to make the database available to its more than 300 member news organizations and provide training and guidance on use.

“The Mass Detention Database creates a striking visualization of America’s rapidly expanding deportation industrial complex,” said Evident’s Executive Director and founder Zach Toombs. “Our aim is to provide a valuable tool for journalists, researchers, and the public, presenting crucial information in a visually engaging and highly shareable way. And our news partners will help us connect this database with people all over the nation and the world.”

To inquire about custom partnership, such as data visualization specific to a certain region, reach out to icedatabase@evidentmedia.org.

To learn more about Evident Media, visit evidentmedia.org.