In a significant legal action, Louisiana has filed a lawsuit against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, alleging that the Biden-Harris administration enabled the entry of an illegal immigrant from China, thus posing a severe public health risk by exposing hundreds of individuals to a highly infectious and deadly strain of tuberculosis (TB).
The state’s legal filing alleges that Mayorkas, acting in his official capacity as DHS secretary, permitted the illegal immigrant, who tested positive for TB, to be accommodated in multiple Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities across the state. The implications of this decision have raised serious concerns about public safety and health.
According to the lawsuit, the presence of the Chinese national has created an “emergency situation” in Louisiana, potentially allowing the spread of a “rare, aggressive, and drug-resistant form of tuberculosis, which carries high mortality rates.” This biologic threat further complicates the already tense immigration discourse surrounding health and safety measures.
Brought forth by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, the lawsuit identifies DHS, ICE, and specific detention facilities as defendants in this matter. Murrill is advocating for ICE to implement protocols that ensure a clean bill of health for individuals before they are released from detention. At present, there is no established protocol by ICE for guaranteeing the medical clearance of individuals upon their release from facilities.
“The protection of our southern border is paramount to the security of the United States,” Murrill asserted emphatically. “It is neither political nor unreasonable that Louisiana has time and time again demanded that the Biden-Harris administration defend this nation. Those not legally present should not be in the country – period.”
In a broader context, Murrill stated, “Millions of undocumented illegal aliens continue to pour across the southern border – unidentified, untracked, and untested for diseases that can threaten the lives of American citizens.” Her comments underscore the potential risks posed to public health by federal immigration policies. She criticized the federal government for compromising the health and safety of the residents of Louisiana and, by extension, American citizens.
The Daily Mail reported that Governor Jeff Landry (R-La.) recently provided reassurances to state residents during a press conference, indicating that Louisiana had “no indication that the public is in any danger.” This statement aimed to alleviate public concern amidst the ongoing health scare related to TB.
In June, it was reported that the Chinese national infected with TB made an unauthorized entry into the United States through the southern border with Mexico. After being apprehended by law enforcement in California in July, the individual was flown, along with approximately 100 other detainees, by DHS to Alexandria, Louisiana, and subsequently transported with 40 other detainees to Richwood Correction Center in Monroe, Louisiana.
According to The Daily Mail, upon being tested for TB, the illegal immigrant returned a result that was “noted to be highly positive,” indicating a significant health risk. The report further elaborated that this particular strain of TB appears to be a “drug-resistant” variant, complicating effective treatment options.
Interview with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on the Lawsuit Against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Attorney General Murrill. Your recent lawsuit against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has garnered significant attention. Can you briefly explain the primary concerns underlying this legal action?
Murrill: Thank you for having me. Our lawsuit is rooted in grave public health and safety concerns. We’ve identified that an illegal immigrant from China, who tested positive for a dangerous and drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis, was allowed to enter and stay in multiple ICE facilities here in Louisiana. This decision poses a considerable risk to public health, potentially exposing hundreds of individuals to this infectious disease.
Editor: The lawsuit describes this situation as an “emergency.” Can you expand on what you mean by that and why this case is more than just a standard immigration issue?
Murrill: Absolutely. This is more than just an immigration issue; it’s a public health crisis. The aggressive form of tuberculosis we are dealing with has high mortality rates and can spread rapidly. When individuals are not properly screened and monitored upon their release, it increases the risk of a wider outbreak in our communities. We’re calling for better protocols from ICE to ensure that no one poses a health threat when they are released from their facilities.
Editor: Some may argue that immigration policies and disease control are complex issues intertwined with various factors. How do you respond to criticisms suggesting that this lawsuit is politically motivated?
Murrill: This is not a political issue; it’s a matter of public safety. Protecting our southern border and ensuring that those who enter our country do so legally and safely is essential for the security of all Americans. We have consistently urged the Biden administration to take these concerns seriously. It is not unreasonable for Louisiana to demand effective health measures to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law.
Editor: If the lawsuit is successful, what changes do you hope to see implemented within ICE and its detention facilities?
Murrill: Our goal is to establish clear health protocols that ensure every individual is medically cleared before being released from detention. We want to see a system in place that prioritizes public health, preventing any future scenarios similar to what we are currently facing. This lawsuit is a step towards achieving accountability and reform within the system.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Attorney General Murrill. We appreciate your time discussing this important issue.
Murrill: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep this conversation going for the sake of public health and safety in Louisiana and beyond.
Is politically motivated or overly simplistic in its approach to a multifaceted issue?
Murrill: While I understand that immigration and public health are indeed complex issues, our lawsuit is about prioritizing the health and safety of Louisiana residents. It’s not about politics; it’s about protecting our communities. When federal agencies allow potentially infectious individuals to be released without proper health screenings, they jeopardize public safety. It’s a straightforward demand for accountability in how we manage both border security and public health—not an oversimplification, but a necessary action to safeguard our citizens.
Editor: You’ve urged ICE to establish protocols for medical clearance before the release of detainees. Can you elaborate on what those protocols should entail?
Murrill: Certainly. We believe ICE should implement mandatory health screenings for all detainees prior to their release. This involves testing individuals for communicable diseases like tuberculosis and ensuring they receive appropriate treatment if needed. Additionally, there should be clear communication and guidelines for local health authorities about any potential health risks posed by released individuals. This way, we can prevent public health emergencies rather than reacting to them after the fact.
Editor: In light of these health concerns, how do you perceive the state officials’ reassurance regarding public safety, as mentioned by Governor Landry?
Murrill: I think it’s essential for leaders to provide reassurance, but the reality is that we cannot afford to be complacent. Just because there are currently no immediate signs of danger, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take proactive measures to prevent potential health crises. The fact remains: when it comes to a dangerous strain of tuberculosis, we have to be vigilant and prepared. Our lawsuit is a step in ensuring that precautionary measures are in place to protect our residents.
Editor: Thank you, Attorney General Murrill, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. We appreciate your efforts to bring attention to these public health concerns.
Murrill: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep this dialogue open and prioritize the safety of our communities above all else.
