ICE Releases Hundreds Of Immigrants As Coronavirus Spreads in Detention Centers

For days, if not weeks, there have ben calls to release noncitizens from immigrant detention because of fears of the spread of coronavirus.  NPR reports that ICE may be listening:

“Several hundred immigrants have been released from U.S. detention centers amid concerns that the coronavirus is spreading rapidly through some facilities.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it has released nearly 700 detainees after evaluating their `immigration history, criminal record, potential threat to public safety, flight risk, and national security concerns.’

In New Jersey, where there have been significant outbreaks among detainees and staffers, local officials and immigrant advocates say at least 245 detainees have been released from three county jails where ICE detainees are held.

Most detainees were released by ICE, often with electronic ankle monitors to make sure they show up to later court dates. Some were ordered released by federal courts after immigration attorneys filed a flurry of habeas corpus lawsuits. The suits allege it was unconstitutional to detain immigrants on civil violations during a pandemic.”

KJ