As information about COVID-19 evolves rapidly, it’s crucial we stay informed through reliable sources like local public health departments, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization.
On March 16, President Trump announced stricter guidelines for the American public aimed at halting the virus’s rapid spread. He urged citizens to avoid gatherings of more than ten people, steer clear of crowded indoor and outdoor spaces, and implement home-based schooling nationwide.
While many are embracing social distancing, countless individuals find themselves trapped in overcrowded detention centers, unable to adhere to these health guidelines. These vulnerable immigrant families live in squalid conditions, lacking access to basic hygiene like soap and proper sanitation. They would surely prefer to follow the President’s advice, yet they remain confined against their will.
These individuals are the immigrant families held in detention centers, where relief is nowhere in sight. This situation is not just a severe violation of human rights; it creates a perfect storm for a virus that preys on immunocompromised individuals. Tragically, the health of those imprisoned is not prioritized by authorities.
Fortunately, dedicated lawyers in New York City are working tirelessly to change this dire situation. They are aligned with organizations like the ACLU, which recently filed a lawsuit against ICE for the release of nine detainees at a Washington state facility who are particularly at risk for COVID-19. This legal action is part of a broader movement advocating for increased prisoner releases and a national shutdown of immigration courts, which are seen as hotbeds for the virus.
The Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Services, and the Legal Aid Society make up New York’s legal defense network, providing free representation to detained immigrants through the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP). These advocates are demanding that ICE release all detainees in the New York area so they can self-quarantine with their families. They are also calling for a halt to ICE’s aggressive arrest raids in the tri-state area and the postponement of check-ins for individuals under ICE supervision. The dual goals are clear: to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and uphold the human rights of those detained.
Andrea Sáenz, the Attorney-in-Charge of NYIFUP, emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “The risk is that the virus will spread quickly in confined, dirty spaces, and many more people will get sick and even die than would have if these people could isolate at home.” She notes that the local ICE office simply rents space from county jails, which makes social distancing impossible. “Tens of thousands of people could become sick, and we can stop it.”
NYIFUP’s appeal comes on the heels of ICE’s failure to respond to a demand letter regarding COVID-19 precautions in their facilities. Lawyers have reported that detainees lack access to basic hygiene supplies like disinfectants, soap, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. They argue that ICE’s continued detention of individuals during this global crisis is not only a policy failure but an impending health catastrophe that demands immediate action.
Legal experts like Sáenz argue that ICE has demonstrated it is ill-equipped to manage a national crisis of this scale. By neglecting to safeguard these vulnerable populations, ICE is putting at risk the lives of elderly individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions.
With the majority of detainees in New York City being long-term residents, there is a high likelihood they would find safe housing upon release. For those newly arrived in the U.S. seeking asylum, NYIFUP will assist in connecting them with sponsors willing to help. By stopping these arrests, ICE could significantly reduce the potential for COVID-19 outbreaks in their facilities while also keeping families united during this challenging time.
As a mother, I can attest that keeping parents and workers at home helps the entire community avoid illness and reduces the strain on healthcare resources.
If this resonates with you, consider advocating for policy changes by contacting your local representatives to pressure ICE to cease these harmful practices. You can also support non-profit organizations that assist detained immigrants or contribute to bail funds to help free individuals from these perilous situations. Collective action can be a matter of life and death for not only thousands of immigrants but millions across the country.
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In summary, the urgent cessation of ICE arrests is necessary to protect vulnerable immigrant families from the spread of COVID-19, uphold human rights, and maintain community health.
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