Columbia Heights,Minnesota – A five-year-old girl and her mother have been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention following mounting pressure from the school district and advocates. The pair were initially detained on February 16, 2024, sparking concerns about the child’s education and well-being.
ICE Facilities Face Measles Outbreak, Halt Transfers
A recent surge in measles cases within ICE detention centers has prompted a temporary halt to all movement at a Texas facility, raising questions about health protocols and the safety of detainees.
- Measles cases have been identified at multiple ICE facilities, including the largest for children.
- ICE has temporarily stopped all movement at a Texas detention center due to the outbreak.
- A five-year-old girl and her mother, detained in Minnesota, were released after advocacy from the local school district.
- The outbreaks highlight concerns about healthcare access and infection control within ICE detention centers.
What are the risks of measles in detention centers? Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, notably in vulnerable populations like children and those with compromised immune systems. Detention centers, with their close quarters, can facilitate rapid transmission of the disease.
Measles Cases Reported at Multiple Facilities
The first confirmed cases surfaced at ICE’s largest family detention facility, located in Dilley, Texas, according to reports on February 21, 2024. Subsequently, measles was confirmed at two additional ICE facilities, one in Texas and another location not instantly specified, statnews.com reported on February 22, 2024.
Q: When were the first measles cases identified at an ICE facility?
A: The first cases were identified at the Dilley, Texas facility on February 21, 2024.
Q: What action did ICE take in response to the measles outbreak?
A: ICE halted all movement at a Texas detention facility to prevent further spread of the virus.
Q: How did the school district become involved in the case of the five-year-old girl?
A: The Columbia Heights, Minnesota school district publicly voiced concerns after learning the girl had been detained and transferred to a facility experiencing a measles outbreak.
The situation remains fluid, and ICE has not yet announced when normal operations will resume at the affected facilities. Continued monitoring and preventative measures will be crucial to protecting the health of detainees and staff.
