Over 9,000 immigrants in ICE custody have tested positive for COVID-19 since March 2020. At least 10 individuals in ICE custody have died. Medical professionals agree that COVID-19 spreads faster in jails and prisons, where it is impossible to practice social distancing and follow other safety precautions. The medical community recommends that ICE reduce their immigration detention population for the sake of public health.
In addition, a California federal judge in a case called Fraihat v. ICE, issued an injunction, requiring that ICE take a number of important steps to protect medically vulnerable people in its custody from COVID-19. While ICE has released some individuals pursuant to the injunction, there remains nearly 15,000 people in ICE custody, many of whom have medical vulnerabilities.
ICE Detentions
Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York
VIDEO