Concerns Emerge Over Tuberculosis Outbreak at Colorado Detention Facility
Advocates are urging Colorado authorities to leverage all available legal measures to investigate and address a suspected tuberculosis outbreak at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility located in Aurora. This coalition of healthcare professionals and representatives from various organizations, including the American Friends Service Committee and Casa de Paz, sent a letter to Democratic U.S. Attorney Phil Weiser, demanding that he take decisive action to safeguard the fundamental rights and health of detainees.
Health Department’s Public Health Order Highlights Ongoing Concerns
The Adams County Health Department has maintained a public health order for tuberculosis cases within its facilities since early June. As of now, the department is aware of at least one laboratory-confirmed case. However, reports from inside the facility indicate that at least 12 individuals may have tested positive for the disease. An anonymous source within the facility revealed that an entire group of 88 people underwent testing and isolation. The health department has yet to confirm these claims.
Advocates Call for Accountability and Action
Holly Chen, a nurse associated with the Shutdown GEO Coalition, voiced her concerns, stating that the responsibility for public health contact tracing should not lie solely with those within the facility. Chen urged AG Weiser to take meaningful action, emphasizing that it should not fall on insiders or their families to prevent the epidemic from spreading.
ICE Responds Amid Rising Alarm
An unnamed spokesperson for ICE asserted that there were no confirmed active tuberculosis cases as of Friday and stated the agency was adhering to Colorado law and the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those diagnosed in June have reportedly been treated and subsequently deported.
Investigation Access Request Signals Growing Urgency
On Tuesday, Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Secretary of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, formally requested access to the detention facility as well as related records to conduct an investigation. She set a deadline for Friday, but it remains unclear what actions will be taken if GEO Group, the private company managing the facility, fails to comply. A recent state law stipulates that public health departments can impose hefty fines on immigrant detention centers that obstruct health investigations.
Advocates Demand Prompt Government Intervention
Advocates have called upon Attorney General Weiser to intervene and ensure compliance with the health department’s request. They emphasize the need for adequate medical care and testing, not just related to tuberculosis but for broader health issues affecting detainees. Miriam Ordonez of the American Friends Service Committee highlighted that the situation surrounding TB reflects significant neglect within the facility.
Legal Implications and Calls for Compliance
In a recent statement, Weiser affirmed his readiness to collaborate with the governor’s office and state officials to ensure that GEO complies with health regulations. Although he did not specify what actions might be taken, he emphasized the serious public health implications related to the tuberculosis cases reported at the Aurora ICE detention center. He reiterated that GEO is obligated to work with state authorities to investigate potential outbreaks and their possible spread.
