In not-so-surprising news, there is a surge of COVID cases at the border.
There were more than 7,500 new COVID cases reported in detention centers from April through the beginning of July.
This is particularly concerning, as the number of migrants being held in those facilities rose from 14,000 to 26,000 during that time frame. That’s an incredibly high percentage of migrants with COVID in completely overcrowded pens.
Public health officials are just now raising concerns (as we have all along) that migrants are likely exposing others on the buses that transport them to the detention facilities, as they are not being tested for COVID before boarding.
And it’s not just other migrants who are being exposed to COVID. Unsuspecting American citizens and those patrolling and protecting our border are also at risk.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol recently released a startling report:
“The safety of our workforce, our communities, and individuals in our care is a top priority. CBP personnel put themselves and their families at risk with every encounter at the border. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 8,800 CBP employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 32 have passed away. CBP is continuing to explore possible adjustments to workforce posture and health protocols based on widespread vaccine access and easing public health metrics.”
Despite being completely overwhelmed, overworked, and overburdened, border security agents are risking their lives every day—facing everything from COVID to cartels to coyotes.
When is enough… ENOUGH? The time to act is NOW.
Join us in demanding safe borders.
Thanks,
Heather R. Higgins