ACLU calls for COVID-19 vaccines for those in ICE detention

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is pushing the Biden administration to vaccinate everyone in immigration detention along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) staff.

“Given the urgency posed by COVID-19 — including the introduction of new variants and continued outbreaks throughout detention centers across the country from increased population numbers — it is imperative that ICE act quickly to provide vaccines to all detained people and staff in all detention facilities nationwide,” the ACLU wrote in a letter to both Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and ICE Acting Director Tae Johnson.

ICE data show nearly 16,000 people held in agency custody have contracted COVID-19 while being held in the close quarters of detention facilities, including nine who have died from the disease.