Six Female Immigrants Scheduled to be Released from Detention Facility in Texas After Filing Suit Against ICE Over COVID-19 Fears

The COVID-19 virus is an aggressive one that has claimed 62,000 lives and sickened approximately 1.2 million people thus far. While anyone who comes into contact with the potentially deadly virus is at risk of becoming infected, it is those who are unable to practice social distancing (i.e. inmates and immigrant detainees) who are more likely to contract it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also says that anyone who is above the age of 65 and/or suffers from one or more medical conditions is at a higher risk of severe illness in the event they test positive for COVID-19.

With many immigrant detainees forced to be housed in unsafe and unsanitary facilities, it is no surprise why many who suffer from one or more underlying health conditions are requesting to be released to help reduce their chances of becoming infected.

Six Women in El Paso, TX Set to be Freed After Suing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  

Six women being held in an El Paso immigration detention facility are set to be released after they filed suit against ICE alleging the agency was “putting them in danger of contracting COVID-19” [Source: Tucson Sentinel]. The source says the women filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus “seeking their release from ICE detention because of underlying health conditions that put them at risk of complications from the novel coronavirus.” A hearing was scheduled to occur with U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo, however, it was canceled after the attorneys representing the six women said they were negotiating a settlement with ICE.

The source reported that the immigration lawyers representing the women spent several hours discussing the terms of their release. Once the women are released, they are expected to stay at a shelter that is run by Annunciation House, which is a nonprofit organization that “accompanies the migrant, refugee, and economically vulnerable peoples of the border region through hospitality, advocacy, and education.” They will also be tested for COVID-19 and quarantined for 14 days if need be.

Is a loved one of yours currently being detained in a Texas immigration detention center?

If you are concerned about their wellbeing and safety, you should contact Texas immigration attorney J. Joseph Cohen to find out more about getting them released early. While jails and detention facilities are only allowing certain individuals to be released given certain conditions are met, the Law Office of J. Joseph Cohen, an immigration law firm in Texas, can determine if your loved one is a potential candidate for early release.

You can reach the Law Office of J. Joseph Cohen at:

310 South St. Mary’s Street, Suite 2100
San Antonio, Texas 78205

Phone: 210-503-2800

Website: www.jjosephcohen.com