Media reports indicate that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will scale down enforcement operations during the COVID-19 emergency and will also release at least some detainees. In response, MIRA Executive Eva A. Millona has the following statement:
“This is very welcome news – both the release of detainees and a moratorium on immigration enforcement are sorely needed in this urgent public-health crisis.
“Right now we cannot afford to have fear of immigration enforcement keep anyone from seeking medical care – and before this announcement, it was a major concern for us and our member organizations. It is reassuring to know that ICE is committed to not carrying out enforcement operations ‘at or near’ health care facilities, and we take agency leaders at their word that exceptions will only be made ‘in the most extraordinary of circumstances.’
“What is unclear at this point is how much overall enforcement will be scaled down; we have long heard that agents target mainly immigrants who have committed crimes, but often those targeted have been charged but not convicted, or they have committed minor offenses, including driving without a license. Further clarification would be very helpful in easing the fears of vulnerable immigrants.
“Similarly, we look forward to seeing as many immigrants as possible released from detention – not just those with no criminal charges or convictions, but all who pose no public-safety risk, which would be a large majority. Jails should be holding as few people as possible right now, for the sake of both inmates and staff. We know conditions in many facilities need significant improvement to ensure everyone’s health and well-being.”
