Despite judge's order, migrant children remain detained amid COVID outbreak

[Nevilledog]

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/despite-judge-s-order-migrant-children-remain-detained-amid-covid-n1234705

LOS ANGELES — Nearly a month after a federal judge ruled the Trump administration must release migrant children "with all deliberate speed" from Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers because of COVID-19, 346 parents and children are detained in facilities with outbreaks and court filings show releases remain rare.

When U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee ordered the release of children detained with their parents in late June, she was explicit in her reasoning. The ICE facilities, she said, were "‘on fire’ and there is no more time for half measures."

ICE, which has historically released families and children together, has refused to do so ahead of the July 27 deadline set by the judge, stoking outrage among lawyers and some who have worked inside the system itself.

"It’s preposterous," said a former ICE official who served during both the Obama and Trump administrations. "There’s no reason other than cruelty."

ICE declined to respond to the former ICE official's comment "due to pending litigation," said spokeswoman Jenny Burke.

*snip*

[soothsayer]

1. Despicable

[triron]

2. Lawless, inhumane, and evil.