Washington, D.C. – Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Garland v. Gonzalez. The case on appeal from the Ninth Circuit presents the issues of whether someone in immigration custody is entitled to a bond hearing after six months of detention. The result of the case may impact thousands of immigrants currently in detention.
Cynthia Garcia, National Campaigns Manager for Community Protection of United We Dream, said:
“The Biden administration shouldn’t be fighting Trump’s court battles. The Ninth Circuit ruling to allow a bond hearing after six months of detention was a step in the direction of humane treatment of immigrants. The Trump administration appealed that decision, now Biden’s Justice Department should drop that appeal or the Biden administration will be continuing to perpetuate Trump’s white nationalist policies. President Biden’s defense of Trump’s policies in court, particularly when it comes to abhorrent anti-immigration policies such as ‘Remain in Mexico’ and Title 42, have been some of the deepest stains of his presidency.
Currently immigrants are at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 , because of medical neglect rampant in detention centers. It is unconscionable that the government is fighting to keep immigrants detained, separated from their families and exposed to health risks. President Biden pledged to deliver more humane treatment of immigrants, but our immigrant community has yet to experience that promise. Our demands are clear, the Justice Department must immediately drop the appeal made by the Trump administration. All immigration centers should be closed and all detainees released.”
