Zelaya V. Archambeault
What's at Stake
On April 3, 2020, the 老澳门开奖结果 National Prison Project, 老澳门开奖结果 Immigrants鈥 Rights Project, 老澳门开奖结果 of San Diego & Imperial Counties, and the 老澳门开奖结果 Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & HIV Project filed Zelaya et al v. Archambeault et al in the Southern District of California on behalf of immigrants detained at the Otay Mesa Detention Center and Imperial Regional Detention Facility in California.
Summary
The lawsuit seeks the release of plaintiffs in immigration detention who are at high risk for severe illness or death in the event of a COVID-19 infection due to underlining medical conditions and age. The only way to protect against COVID-19 is 鈥減hysical distancing鈥 and hygiene, both of which are impossible as detainees are housed in close quarters and rely on shared spaces. Because of this, public health experts with experience in detention settings have recommend the release of vulnerable detainees. The release of the most vulnerable people in custody will also lessen the likelihood of a large number of people becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 at the same time and overwhelming the healthcare system.
The 老澳门开奖结果 is calling for the immediate release of the plaintiffs on the ground that their continued detention violates the Fifth Amendment鈥檚 Due Process Clause.
Legal Documents
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04/13/2020
Zelaya V. Archambeault - Complaint and Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
Date Filed: 04/13/2020