ACLU files lawsuit for detainee release at two detention centers

YUMA, Ariz. ( KYMA, KECY) - The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has filed a lawsuit calling for detainee release at Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, where the outbreak of the coronavirus has infected both detainees and staff members.

ACLU has also filed another lawsuit for detention centers in Imperial County. They are calling for actions saying that the risk of fatalities is only a matter of time.

 “Such that social distancing and proper hygiene would be possible," said Monika Langarcia, an Immigrant Rights Attorney with ACLU.

When ACLU first filed the lawsuit on April 21st, Langarcia tells News 11 that ICE reported 18 COVID-19 cases, since then that number is now over 40 cases. ACLU also issued an emergency request of medically vulnerable people at Otay Mesa.

Before the pandemic started, Largarcia said the facilities lacked basic hygiene necessities.  “Things like soap, it is not uncommon that frequently soap runs out from these communal dispensers in the housing units. Also, whether those are refilled or not is based on the guard on duty," said Largarcia.

The facility in Otay Mesa hold a littles less than one-thousand people, about 100 people share a pod unit, and eight people share a sleeping cell. ACLU fears more people are infected, but testing is limited.

 “The national director of ICE admitted to congress that fewer than 1% of people have been tested," said Largarcia.

At this time, there has been no confirmed cases at the detention center in Imperial County, however, Largarcia said it's only a matter of time.

In a statement released by ICE, the agency has released over 700 people from detention across the country.

“It is a reminder that it has the authority and the digression at any moment without a court order release people," said Largarcia.

A court hearing for the lawsuit has not been scheduled yet.