In early March, 59-year-old Mario Rodas was pulled over and arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement while driving to the supermarket with his family. He has been in ICE custody in Plymouth, Massachusetts since then.
This is his story.
This is his story.
When Mario heard about the growing COVID-19 epidemic, he was scared.
"I was worried because I have diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It was stressful, you know?"
A few days later, a staff member at the detention center tested positive. aclu.org/podcast/what-i…
"I was worried because I have diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It was stressful, you know?"
A few days later, a staff member at the detention center tested positive. aclu.org/podcast/what-i…
On March 25, we filed a petition asking a judge to order ICE to release Mario on the grounds that his medical conditions placed him at high risk for COVID-19 complications, in violation of his constitutional rights.
Two days later, Mario found out he was going home.
Two days later, Mario found out he was going home.
Mario feels lucky to have had loved ones supporting him on the outside.
"There are many people who have no communication with the outside world, no one to help them. That's the kind of thing I saw inside, and it's so sad," he told us.
"There are many people who have no communication with the outside world, no one to help them. That's the kind of thing I saw inside, and it's so sad," he told us.
Without being able to contact his family, he may not have been aware of the extent of the pandemic.
One immigration attorney told us that her clients in ICE custody "are not given any information about COVID-19... no signs, no talks, no advisories."
aclu.org/news/immigrant…
One immigration attorney told us that her clients in ICE custody "are not given any information about COVID-19... no signs, no talks, no advisories."
aclu.org/news/immigrant…
Across the country, there are nearly 36,000 people in ICE custody.
Public health officials say that overcrowding and poor access to sanitation inside detention facilities is a crisis in the making.
Public health officials say that overcrowding and poor access to sanitation inside detention facilities is a crisis in the making.
People have described feeling like "sitting ducks waiting to be infected." One man in New Jersey said he and others were on a hunger strike to obtain soap and toilet paper — and that guards reportedly said, "Well, you're going to have to die of something." aclu.org/news/immigrant…
So far, at least 100 detainees and dozens of staff at detention facilities are confirmed to have contracted COVID-19.
The virus may also be spreading undetected and potentially infecting guards who shuttle in and out for their shifts before returning home.
The virus may also be spreading undetected and potentially infecting guards who shuttle in and out for their shifts before returning home.
These numbers are likely a significant underestimate due to testing shortages. ICE has also said they aren't required to disclose information about staff at privately-run detention facilities who have tested positive.
These conditions are deadly. ICE and CBP must act now to reduce the number of people in detention, starting with the most vulnerable. aclu.org/covid19prisons
