As many of us are all aware of, the coronavirus pandemic has clearly changed the lives of Earth’s inhabitants. Whether it altered our political opinions, societal views, or simply just our morals, this ongoing pandemic has taken a toll on the lives of many. From losing loved ones to taking extra safety precautions to avoid contracting the virus, it has been quite difficult to resume to our “normal” lives. For many undocumented immigrants, their lives are no different. Every day, they continue to pack together in ICE centers. Because of this, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it has been extremely difficult to manage the outbreak in ICE centers.
As of July 2020, over three thousand undocumented immigrants have contracted the virus. This is especially terrifying for Griselda Melendez, a cancer survivor and ICE detainee. Melendez is dealing with a variety of health concerns from “diabetes, high blood pressure, gallbladder inflammation” (Montoya-Galvez). Not only this, but Melendez is losing her vision all while trapped in an ICE center. Melendez is limited to her treatment in the detainment center, therefore she is not able to receive the proper care she deserves. As mentioned by Laura Murchie, Melendez’s attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center, it would be highly unlikely that Melendez would be released. For detainees that tested positive for coronavirus, they will not be released unless they are on the verge of being incredibly ill or dying. With this being said, many undocumented immigrants are taking a huge risk that continues to deteriorate their health.
Not only are the lives of the undocumented immigrants at risk from the virus, but ICE employees as well. Without the appropriate safety equipment, ICE employees are just as likely to contract the virus, especially while working in crowded spaces. As of July 2020, four private companies that partnered up with ICE have stated that 930 of their employees became ill with coronavirus.
Under these serious conditions, the undocumented immigrants are not allowed to practice social distancing or use masks. With limited space, the coronavirus is bound to spread among the detainees and ICE employees. Undocumented immigrants are no less human and they should be allowed to take safety precautions. Millions of lives are being claimed from the virus, yet ICE lacks regard for its detainees or staff. Additionally, the current poor quality of life for detainees proves that they deserve to live the life they want in America. As the “American dream” is filled with success and new opportunities, everyone should have a chance at living the life they have always wished for.
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Written by Kelly Xie from New York
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