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Legislative bills

Reintroduction of the End Transfer of Detained Immigrants Act to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission in Immigration Detention Facilities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO) and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) joined by Veronica Escobar (D-TX) have reintroduced the End Transfer of Detained Immigrants Act to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from transferring immigrant detainees between facilities or to federal, state, and local prisons during the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation comes as over 20,000 immigrants are held in detention centers and prisons across the country, with over 125 immigrant detention facilities having confirmed cases of COVID-19. The bill requires that if physical distancing inside ICE facilities is not possible, individuals be released to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The End Transfer of Detained Immigrants Act would prevent ICE from transferring immigrant detainees between facilities or to federal, state, and local prisons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Over 20,000 immigrants are held in detention centers and prisons across the country, with over 125 immigrant detention facilities having confirmed cases of COVID-19.
  • The bill requires that if physical distancing inside ICE facilities is not possible, individuals be released to adhere to CDC guidelines.
  • The legislation has been reintroduced by Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), and Veronica Escobar (D-TX).
  • The Senate version of the legislation is being introduced by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
  • Over 20,000 immigrants are held in detention centers and prisons across the country.
  • Over 125 immigrant detention facilities have confirmed cases of COVID-19.
  • The CDC and public health experts have recommended that detention facilities and prisons stop transferring detained immigrants and incarcerated individuals between facilities except in unique circumstances.

Statistics:

  • Over 20,000 immigrants are held in detention centers and prisons across the country.
  • Over 125 immigrant detention facilities have confirmed cases of COVID-19.
  • The COVID-19 public health crisis is not over yet, and detained immigrants and ICE employees in detention facilities remain at risk.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)
  • Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)
  • Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
  • Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
  • Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX)
  • Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • COVID-19 pandemic
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • Contify.com

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