Rep. Takano Statement on Conditions at Adelanto ICE Detention Center During COVID-19 Pandemic
Riverside, CA – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement on the conditions faced by detainees at the Adelanto ICE Detention Center during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all of us and necessary steps must be taken to keep people healthy and safe and to protect public health – that includes protecting immigrants in detention. It is concerning that officials at the Adelanto ICE Detention Center are not doing enough to protect detainees and prevent the spread of COVID-19, even after a U.S. District Court Judge mandated the release of detainees to achieve a significant reduction in the number of individuals housed in that facility. You cannot practice the CDC-recommended COVID-19 prevention measures, such as social distancing, in crowded detention cells.
“Adelanto’s failure to implement safety measures is a threat to immigrants’ health and to the health of workers at that facility. Immigrants in detention are more vulnerable to infection and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect – their health and well-being must always be a priority. I urge officials at Adelanto to take action to protect detainees and to follow the U.S. District Court Judge’s orders to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is crucial for fighting this virus and for keeping our communities safe.”
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Dayanara Ramirez (202) 225-2305