Aid Groups Prep In Case ICE Releases Migrants Due To COVID-19
Download mp3 (1.35 MB)At least 15 people held in immigration detention in Arizona have tested positive for COVID-19. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has released a few of the most vulnerable to the disease, and the agency faces ongoing pressure to let more go.
Local aid groups are making plans in case that happens.
The International Rescue Committee led last year’s effort to open a Welcome Center near downtown Phoenix, which joined a grassroots network to help groups of migrants let go by ICE.
KJZZ obtained a recent IRC presentation from a meeting at which the goal was to reconnect groups that gave hospitality in the past. It also aimed to start to build backup plans in case the shelter is quarantined, or in case it becomes full and more people get released.
The 15-page document says the Welcome Center is not in danger of closing, but capacity has been cut by more than half to keep people safe.
IRC Community Engagement Coordinator Stanford T. Prescott released a statement.
“Over the past month, the Welcome Center has continued to respond to the acute needs of vulnerable populations seeking asylum in the U.S. with no issues related to COVID-19, in thanks to the IRC and community partners responsibly following the guidance of the CDC. We are adopting social distancing practices, taking extra health precautions, and managing closely the staff presence as part of this shift in operations. In the event of COVID-19 exposure at the Welcome Center, the IRC and community partners will work with the federal government to receive asylum-seekers at another location until the Welcome Center is safe to re-open. Thanks to the broad collaboration within the community, the IRC and partners have strong plans to ensure asylum seekers continue to be supported, even under the current health crisis.”
An ICE spokesperson issued a statement when the Fronteras Desk asked if the agency is planning to release a large number of detainees deemed especially vulnerable to COVID-19 to groups in Arizona.
“Due to the unprecedented nature of COVID-19, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is reviewing cases of individuals in detention who may be at higher risk for severe illness as a result of COVID-19. Utilizing CDC guidance along with the advice of medical professionals, ICE may place individuals in a number of alternatives to detention options. Decisions to release individuals in ICE custody occur every day on a case-by-case basis.”
