Nearly 40,000 immigrants sit in detention centers across the country, and there is a small but growing number who’ve tested positive for the coronavirus. Rights groups are asking for help reaching out to them.
In March, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement banned social visits to further slow the virus’s spread. That, say rights groups, is leading to further isolation for this population. So they’re asking people to reach out.
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah is president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. The organization and others launched a letter-writing campaign, hoping to send notes of hope and inspiration to those in detention.
"We believe it’s important not to forget how far a kind gesture can go. to someone living through some of their darkest times," she said.
ICE reports there are four immigrants in its custody who so far have tested positive. And another 33 ICE and detention center employees diagnosed.
