US-General – Justice With Children

ICE Releases Hundreds Of Immigrants As Coronavirus Spreads in Detention Centers _ WBUR News

April 15, 2020By Joakim Loeb0 comment

Originally published by Matt Katz – WBUR (Boston’s NPR Station) on 15/04/2020

Summary

Nearly 700 immigrants have been released from U.S. detention centers amid concerns that the coronavirus is spreading rapidly through some facilities.Many detainees were ordered released by federal courts after immigration attorneys led a flurry of habeas corpus lawsuits. The suits allege it was unconstitutional to detain immigrants on civil violations during a pandemic.

America’s child welfare system was already failing. The pandemic could weaken it further.

March 26, 2020By Joakim Loeb0 comment

Originally published by Roxanna Asgarian, Vox.com on 26/03/2020

READ ARTICLE

Summary

Child Protective Services are feeling the effects of Covid-19: -Grandparents are unable to care for a relative because of particular risks to serious complications of Covid-19 – Parents are unable to comply with required classes are part of their service plan because the classes have been put on hold due to the risk of congregation in groups. – Face-to-face visits have been limited in an effort to curb the spread of the disease – Older foster parents are asking for children to be removed from their homes based on the risk of contracting Covid-19; also, with schools and other providers currently closed, providing care 24/7 is a bigger burden than some can carry.

COVID-19 Risks for Detained and Incarcerated Youth

March 22, 2020By Joakim Loeb0 comment

Originally published by Physicians for Criminal Justice Reform on 22/03/2020

READ ARTICLE

Summary

Physician advocates urging governors, juvenile court systems and state/local juvenile detention and correctional departments to implement recommendations in order to limit potential exposure to Covid-19, including: – Immediate release of youth in detention and correctional facilities who can safely return to the home of their families/caretakers, with community based supports and supervision; – Halt new admission to detention facilities to mitigate the harm from the pandemic; – Establish and public sharing of a Covid-19 safety plan for all youth who remain in facilities, ensuring proper access to cleaning and sanitation supplies, resources, support and contact with loved ones.Continued incarceration of juveniles during the pandemic increases fear and anxiety among families and these juveniles. Allowing these children to shelter in place with their families can potentially reduce the negative impact on their current well-being and long term adjustment.

“Powder kegs”: Calls grow for ICE to release immigrants to avoid coronavirus outbreak

March 21, 2020By Joakim Loeb0 comment

Originally published by CBS News on 21/03/2020

READ ARTICLE

Summary

ICE has faced intensifying pressure to release immigrants with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, detainees over the age of 60 and those seeking humanitarian protections who don’t pose a threat to public safety. The agency announced it would stop arresting most undocumented immigrants in the U.S. who don’t pose a threat to the public during the pandemic. The move is a significant shift in enforcement priorities, but doesn’t address the growing calls for ICE to release many immigrants. An asylum seeker currently detained in northeastern Louisiana has said he and other immigrants at the detention center have not received any instructions related to the pandemic. Access to hand soap is very limited and the sanitary conditions are subpar, he added.In response to the pandemic, ICE has implemented new internal procedures, including: – plans to screen new detainees and isolate those with symptoms related to COVID-19. – the suspension of visits by family members and friends at detention centers.An ICE spokesperson declined to answer directly when asked about calls to release immigrants, saying only that “no announcements have been made regarding the current detainee population.”

Thousands Of Immigrant Kids Are Detained, Far From Their Parents. They Need Protection From COVID-19, Too

March 19, 2020By Joakim Loeb0 comment

Originally published by Katie Peeler – WBUR (Boston’s NPR News Station) on 19/03/2020

READ ARTICLE

Summary

The article details the plight of children in ORR facilities. Some are foster homes, but others are large dormitory-style detention centers that pose much larger risks for contracting COVID-19.Discusses how children in ORR centers are less likely to be screened for preexisting conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID-19 complications. Advocates increased screenings, adherence to CDC guidelines, and halting immigration hearings.

Justice for Children - 2020