Rep. Vargas Requests Release of Nonviolent Detainees to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 at Detention Centers
Washington, D.C. (April 7, 2020) – Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after sending a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) asking them to report on measures implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their detention facilities, and requested the release of nonviolent detainees.
“As we know, COVID-19 is extremely contagious, and in some cases fatal. I sent a letter to confirm that ICE and CoreCivic are doing everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within their facilities. Social distancing, along with other preventative measures, should be enforced to ensure that personnel and detainees at detention facilities are not at risk of an outbreak.
“In addition to requesting ICE’s COVID-19 response policies and procedures, I have also requested that they release nonviolent detainees. Potential crowded conditions at detentions centers may accelerate the spread of a COVID-19 outbreak. These measures need to be addressed in the best interest of the general public, as well as detention center personnel, and detainees.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fourth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.
###