Pod opened for transgender immigrants - El Comercio de Colorado

Within the ICE Jail in Aurora

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

ICE has opened a pod for transgender individuals in an Aurora jail. Though ICE has yet to explain how the medical needs of this segment of the population will be met.

Aurora ICE facility opened a pod for transgender immigrants. According to the most recent report from Congressman Jason Crow’s office as of January 27, 2020, twenty trans persons were held in this jail. Eleven of them were transferred a few days ago from the ICE detention facility in New Mexico that is currently being repaired.

Legislators and Civil Rights activists have posited that the current federal administration has not followed the proper guidelines to protect those of the transgender community. Trans people represent 0.1 percent of the detained population. However, 12 percent of reports of sexual assault from detainees have come from those identifying themselves as trans, according to 2019 data.

Creating a new pod exclusively for the trans community might just be the best solution to circumvent further criticisms. “An exclusive pod for transgender immigrants allows these detainees to feel secure from those who might target them. It is better to respect this segment of the population through a pod of their own rather than not respecting their identity at all,” says Arash Jahanian, a lawyer for the Meyer Law Office team.

Case-by-Case Attention

This Civil Right Attorney, however, expresses concern, “Does this ICE detention center have the ability to provide the appropriate medical care for the trans population detained?” Jahanian shed light on recent cases of medical malpractice that have occurred at that center. The lawyer indicated that each detainee should receive the medical care they require. “Attention for each person should be case by case,” he said.

An ICE representative gave a partial response to Jahanian’ s concern, “ICE staff and GEO Medical staff are currently working with the Denver Health LGBT Center for Excellence concerning medical oversight and care, with the hope of being able to manage medical care in-house in the future,” said Chris Jones, Acting Officer in charge. Jones clarified that if a detainee arrives with medication prescribed by a physician, they will continue on that medication. If the detainee has medication that is not verifiable or obtained through other means, the medical staff must examine the detainee prior to prescribing appropriate medication.

Denver Health’s response

“Denver Health does not have a formal agreement with the Aurora Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center. However, we do believe all people deserve access to compassionate, dignified, evidence-based and high-quality health care. At this time, the LGBTQ Center of Excellence at Denver Health is working with the Denver Health Human Rights Clinic and the Rocky Mountain Immigration Advocacy Network to find a way to provide professional and continuous care to detainees in transition. Denver Health continues to be a safe place for patients, and personal information is protected by patient privacy laws and not shared with local police or ICE unless legally required by valid court order or warrant,” Denver Health spokesperson said in a statement sent to El Comercio de Colorado newspaper.

ACLU-Colorado’s Opinion

“If ICE will not agree to release all transgender individuals in ICE custody, then the agency should make decisions about housing on a case-by-case basis. The agency should consider the potential risk of sexual vulnerability for each person and consider very seriously the person’s own view with respect to where they feel most safe. Each person should be housed in the least restrictive environment that will best meet their needs. The agency must also ensure that any ongoing or necessary medical or mental health treatment is provided immediately,” said Sara Neel, ACLU of Colorado Senior Staff Attorney.