According to The New York Times, since April as many as 7,500 coronavirus-infected people have been reported in these centers, a figure accounting for more than 40% of all those infected since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Covid-19 infection rise falls on an increased number of detained migrants, from 14,000 in April to over 26,000 at the end of June, The New York Times reported.

Prisons, jails and detention centers have come under fire during the health crisis, as these people (detained migrants) could be vaccinated because they are at higher risk of becoming ill. Democratic Rep. Jesús García said access to proper healthcare for migrants was a real problem before the pandemic and it is nowadays an issue of utmost urgency.

Migrants are completely dependent on the US government for healthcare, and communities are only safe if we guarantee all people, including migrants, have access to Covid-19 tests, treatment and vaccines, Garcia stressed.

Poor vaccination process in these centers contrasts with the Covid-19 vaccine doses aplenty in the United States, The Hill newspaper reported.

Some Democrats are calling on the Joe Biden administration to take steps to speed up the asylum applications for migrants, especially those who do not pose a danger to public safety.

pgh/Pll/msm / avr