US Expands Virus Testing of Detained Migrants Amid Criticism
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement says it's expanding coronavirus testing at detention facilities.
The move follows weeks of criticism that the agency's response to the outbreak has been inadequate.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Wednesday that it now offers voluntary COVID-19 tests to people held at detention facilities in Tacoma, Washington, and Aurora, Colorado.
It has tested 80% of the 570 people held at the Washington facility and one person tested positive.
Members of Congress and immigrant advocates have criticized the agency for insufficient measures to test and control the virus among detainees.
The agency reports 788 active cases among the nearly 25,000 people it has in custody in about 200 facilities.