Aurora ICE Processing Center: ICE Deports Tubercular Inmates Without Medical Attention

• At least 12 people have contracted tuberculosis at the Aurora ICE Processing Center in Colorado.
• Dozens more have been placed in quarantine due to exposure, raising concerns about the potential spread of TB worldwide.
• ICE has deported at least one person with tuberculosis from the facility without proper medical attention.
• The government's handling of this situation may expose the US to liability under international human rights law.

This has raised concerns about the potential spread of tuberculosis worldwide if people with the disease are deported without proper medical attention.

A public health crisis is unfolding at the Aurora ICE Processing Center in Colorado, where at least 12 people have contracted tuberculosis in recent days. According to testimony from inside the facility, dozens of others have been placed in quarantine due to exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires correctional facilities to report suspected and confirmed cases of TB disease to local or state TB programs, but ICE and the GEO Group have refused to admit Adams County and state inspectors into the prison. This has raised concerns about the potential spread of tuberculosis worldwide if people with the disease are deported without proper medical attention.

The federal government's handling of the situation at the Aurora ICE Processing Center is under scrutiny, particularly in light of international human rights law. The US has a responsibility to protect its citizens and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis. However, by deporting people with TB without proper medical attention, ICE may be exposing the country to liability under international law. This raises questions about the government's compliance with federal regulations and public health orders, as well as its obligations to ensure the safety and well-being of prisoners in its custody.

The situation at the Aurora ICE Processing Center is not just a matter of public health; it also has significant implications for international relations. By exporting tuberculosis to other countries, the US may be contributing to the spread of infectious diseases globally. This could have far-reaching consequences, including increased healthcare costs and strained diplomatic relationships with affected nations. Furthermore, the government's handling of this situation raises concerns about its commitment to upholding human rights and protecting public health, both domestically and internationally.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware that ICE's actions may expose the US to liability under international human rights law, particularly with regards to the treatment of prisoners with infectious diseases.

Source: Original reporting via Courthouse News