The thread starter raises the immediate question: What would be the consequences of letting a large detained population go commando? In most such facilities bathing is infrequent compared to what people on the outside enjoy. With lots of unwashed people in relatively crowded space the hygenic benefits of underwear may be a lot cheaper than the consequences of treating illness. From a purely economic standpoint I'm thinking money spent on underwear would be a fraction of the cost of treating an outbreak of Hepatitis. Also, according to the literature I've read, (mostly because of 6721 thought-provoking thread starter) underpants, particularly the tighty whitey, retain heat and work against sperm production. Who on this thread would be against a reduced fertility among those detained for illegally crossing our border?