The conditions of immigrants imprisoned in various immigration facilities across the United States were brought to public attention after images emerged of children being kept in cages in a Texas facility.  New research from the University of California, Davis highlights how harmful these facilities are in terms of exposure to Covid-19.

“The research is clear: immigration detention is not only unnecessary for facilitating a just immigration system, but also causes extensive harm to detained people, perhaps especially to those facing chronic health conditions,” the researchers explain. “This is particularly alarming in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government must act quickly to permanently reduce reliance on this overly punitive and systematically unjust practice.”

The report highlights the death of Carlos Ernesto Escobar Mejia in May 2020, who was the first person to die from Covid in ICE custody, despite many health and legal professionals warning about the risk of infection being extremely high in the facilities.

At risk

The researchers examined health data from over 500 people detained in US immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities between 2013 and 2014 in California.  The data was chosen because it’s the only publicly available health information on ICE detainees.  Nonetheless, the researchers believe that they will provide an accurate reflection of the current population.

The analysis found that 42% of those detained had at least one chronic condition, with this often combined with other health issues.  They also faced significant disruption to care after entering the facilities.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that nearly all of the detainees reported that they had access to stable housing in the United States, so their detention was clearly making their health situation worse.

“Even one chronic condition can increase risk for severe consequences from COVID-19,” the authors explain.

With around 80% of the Covid patients detected having at least one underlying medical condition, the researchers believe the risks for people detained in ICE facilities are considerable, especially if pre-existing health care for those conditions is disrupted as a result of their detention.

“…Decision-makers must consider every available option to mandate release from the congregate setting of detention centers in which social distancing is almost impossible even under ideal conditions,” the researchers conclude. “Release can be easily facilitated through existing Alternatives to Detention (ATD) programs in which individuals can be released to their families and communities as they continue with their immigration legal proceedings.”