ACLU Comment on Biden Action Involving ICE Handling of Pregnant, Postpartum, or Nursing Individuals

July 9, 2021 11:45 am

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WASHINGTON — The Biden administration has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to “not detain, arrest or take into custody for an administrative violation of the immigration laws individuals known to be pregnant, postpartum or nursing unless release is prohibited by law or exceptional circumstances exist.”

Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney with the National Prison Project of the American Civil Liberties Union, had the following reaction:

“This action by the Biden administration is a welcome step in the right direction. This move brings us closer to more humane treatment by ICE of people who are pregnant, postpartum, or nursing. ICE should stop detaining or arresting people who would be at particular risk in detention, must implement robust oversight of detention facilities, and ensure the release of all people who would be particularly vulnerable in detention.”

Additional Resources:

https://www.aclu.org/blog/immigrants-rights/immigrants-rights-and-detention/working-uncover-how-ice-treats-pregnant-women/

https://www.aclu.org/blog/immigrants-rights/immigrants-rights-and-detention/federal-government-detaining-pregnant/

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