FILE PHOTO: A detainee talks with an employee in an exam room in the medial unit during a media tour at Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma
(Photo : Reuters)

Migrant advocates and critics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency requested for the release of detained migrants from detention facilities a few weeks ago due to the coronavirus pandemic, saying it is vital to prevent the spread of the virus among staff and detainees. 

However, a mass release of detainees will only be a mistake and may do more harm than good. The release of the detainees may endanger public safety, especially if it involves those with criminal records. Furthermore, it may also increase the risk of the health of the detainees. 

The coronavirus has alarmed federal, state and local governments prompting them to take actions immediately. These actions include closure of many business establishments, staying at home and practicing social distancing. 

However, the fear of the virus should not prevent the government from pursuing the law. If people are allowed to break the law without any consequences, then it will pose a great danger to the public, more so, the government. 

About 90% of migrants captured by ICE are either convicted criminals or have pending criminal cases on top of illegal entry. It is irresponsible for us to release them. 

The immigration laws have been enacted and revised by Congress and Presidents back to 1822. ICE did not create these laws which mean they do not have the means to change it. 

The coronavirus pandemic should not be an excuse to attack the law enforcements that are simply fulfilling their duties. 

The only way that ICE detained migrants can be released is if a court order is released; due to significant humanitarian concerns or if they win their cases. Migrants will be removed from the United States if their asylum request is denied. However, there is no legal mechanism to throw open the doors of detention and let the migrants go where they want to. 

Check these out:

-Detained Migrants Requested Release as the Pandemic Intensifies

-Organizations Call for the Closure of Immigration Courts

-US-Mexico Border Situation Exposes Crowd to COVID-19

The President is serious about his immigration policies

President Donald Trump has ordered the closure of the United States border to many non-Americans entering the country as means to help prevent the spread of the virus. He is still firm about keeping the migrants under custody and waiting for their court hearings. 

The president is aware that if we do not detain those who enter the country illegally until they finish their court hearings, the country will not be able to properly address immigration issues on the border. 

The critics of ICE have already made false claims about the condition in different detention centers to convince the American people that illegal migrants should be released. 

They even compared ICE detention facilities to Nazi concentration camps where the detainees are tortured. These, and other claims, are nothing but lies. 

ICE makes sure facilities are habitable

Specialized sanitation teams are in place to ensure that detention facilities are safe for everyone's health. They continue to limit visitation, and have developed emergency plans for managing the pandemic. 

Wherever you are, you are prone to the virus. But the truth is, detainees are more likely to be infected outside the facilities where the population is kept controlled.