Arizona Democrats are demanding answers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after several cases of measles were confirmed among people in ICE custody in the state.
DHS last week confirmed seven detainees in ICE’s Florence Service Processing Center had measles. An unspecified number of ICE detainees were also under quarantine for possible measles exposure as of last week at the Eloy Detention Center and Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex, according to CoreCivic, a private company that owns those sites.
Democratic Reps. Greg Stanton, Yassamin Ansari and Adelita Grijalva along with Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, sent a letter to DHS on Monday asking what the agency is doing to contain the extremely contagious virus.
They noted that this is the second time this year DHS has reported measles cases in its Arizona facilities. Three cases were reported in federal custody in the state in February.
“It is deeply concerning that, just months after an earlier outbreak prompted congressional oversight, additional cases have forced a lockdown of the facility,” the lawmakers wrote. “Given the highly contagious nature of measles and the increased risk of transmission in congregate detention settings, this development raises serious questions about the adequacy of ICE's infection prevention and containment measures.”
In the letter, the lawmakers ask for details about ICE’s quarantine protocols and about medical staffing in the facilities. They also raise concerns about whether detainees have had access to legal meetings or court hearings while facilities have been under quarantine.
In a statement to KJZZ last week, a DHS spokesperson said it is longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care to those in custody.
“ICE Health Services Corps immediately took steps to quarantine and control further spread and infection, ceasing all movement within the facility and quarantining all individuals suspected of making contact with the infected,” the DHS spokesperson said. “Medical staff is continuing to monitor the detainees’ conditions and will take appropriate and active steps to prevent further infection.”
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