WASHINGTON – California Senator Kamala Harris is spearheading an initiative to win the release of low-risk and vulnerable detainees from ICE detention facilities, specifically people who are mostly elderly or pregnant with no serious or violent crimes under their belt, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. 

The former Democratic presidential candidate is leading the effort along with over 20 other senators, including Elizabeth Warren, and current presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders.

The senators recently sent a letter to DHS, ICE, and the CBP calling for the release of people in custody to reduce the chances of anyone else getting the coronavirus; while also requesting answers on how the federal government is preventing the spread of the disease within detention facilities. 

“Well, we want to make sure that we are reducing the number of people who are infected," Harris said. "The reality of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, is it really doesn’t care about someone’s document status. It doesn’t care about their race, age, gender, ethnicity. It spreads, it’s a communicable disease and in order for us to meet this crisis we have to stop the spread.”

Harris said ICE has confirmed at least four detained persons and five ICE employees have tested positive for the disease.

She said the facilities, just like any jails, are crowded and puts the lives of the detainees and employees, alike, at risk. She also addressed how people may be concerned for inmates released early.

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“When people are in a condensed area there is really, very little that we can do to stop the spread of the virus and that has to be our first concern along with always our concern about public safety,” Harris said. “But it’s just a smart thing to do to consider whether it would make more sense on balance to try and stem the public health crisis by employing that kind of approach.”

She is also calling for water, soap, tissue, hand sanitizer and other products to be made free and available to stop the spread of the disease from within facilities.

Harris’ letter is matched with House members from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus which includes Rep. Nanette Barragan of Los Angeles.

They’re demanding that low-priority detainees are released immediately saying ICE is not equipped with the medical supplies needed to protect everyone. Earlier this month, 3,000 medical professionals sent an open letter to ICE urging the release of detainees. 

Harris said ultimately law enforcement will make a determination, but said she hopes the federal government will consider their pleas. Harris' request follows the early release granted to 3,500 inmates from the Los Angeles County jail, as the city and state take unprecedented measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.