WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to news that a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement center in Miramar, Florida, continues detaining immigrants in large numbers and forcing face-to-face check-ins, instead of following the advice of the Centers for Disease control to stay home and maintain social distancing, People For the American Way Political Director Lizet Ocampo released the following statement:

“Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is putting even more people at risk by continuing operations to detain immigrants and their families during this time of crisis. It is infuriating to see vulnerable children, pregnant women, people with illnesses and seniors packed into long, tight lines while fearing family separation and the high risk of exposure to the coronavirus. In the face of widespread government calls for social distancing, it’s inexcusable that Trump’s ICE is putting all of us at risk by blatantly ignoring safety protocols from the Centers of Disease Control and forcing face-to-face check-ins, transferring hundreds of people in and out of detention centers, and restricting access to bathrooms for handwashing. These actions show shameless disregard for the health and wellbeing of detainees and the rest of the nation. ICE should suspend face-to-face check-ins for immigrants and court cases and immediately halt such unconscionable demonstrations of cruelty, inhumanity and disregard for human beings.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.