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Original Date Announced
April 16, 2020COVID-19: ICE has updated guidance on COVID-19, indicating that, relying on CDC’s guidance for people at higher risk, they are releasing individuals from detention and applying this methodology to other potentially vulnerable populations currently in custody and to new arrestees. As of May 4, over 900 individuals have been released, after evaluation of their immigration history, criminal record, potential threat to public safety, flight risk, and national security concerns. [ID #460]
ICE Website: ICE Guidance on COVID-19Biden Administration Action: Modified
November 1, 2022ICE ERO COVID-19 Pandemic Response Requirements
This Biden administration action modifies the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On November 11, 2022, ICE updated its pandemic response protocols to delineate who would be considered a vulnerable individual, but does not mandate release of such individuals.
View DocumentCurrent Status
Partially in effectMost Recent Action
November 1, 2022 Action: Modified ICE ERO COVID-19 Pandemic Response RequirementsNovember 1, 2022Acted on by Biden Administration
Original Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Actions: Agency Directive Change in PracticeSubject Matter: DetentionAgencies Affected: ICEAssociated or Derivative Policies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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New Policy
Original Source:
ICE Website: ICE Guidance on COVID-19
Commentary
ICE Releases Hundreds Of Immigrants As Coronavirus Spreads in Detention Centers
"While the releases are notable, they fall short of what advocates and attorneys are demanding: the release of the vast majority, if not all, people in ICE custody."
Go to article on npr.orgImmigration detention centers are emptying out as the U.S. cites coronavirus for removals
The average U.S. immigrant detainee population last year was 50,000, but it has since plunged to about 19,800, according to ICE.
Go to article on dallasnews.comICE is guilty of unsafe practices in detention centers causing COVID-19 to spread
ICE must comply with mandatory CDC rules and guidelines regarding COVID-19, and most of all, release as many people as possible from immigrant detention, including by releasing people already in detention and halting enforcement unless it is connected with an urgent public safety reason.
Go to article on thehill.com