More than 1,000 immigrants in United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the agency’s latest statistics.
To date, the agency has tested 2,172 detainees and 1,073 have tested positive.
Over recent weeks, the number of cases in custody has gradually climbed. ICE has said that it’s working to release detainees it deems are vulnerable to the virus.
“Of this medical risk population, ICE has released over 900 individuals after evaluating their immigration history, criminal record, potential threat to public safety, flight risk, and national security concerns,” according to a statement on ICE’s website.
There were 27,908 detainees in custody as of May 9.