• DECISION: A federal judge ordered the Mexican government to release from detention migrants from most at-risk populations for contracting coronavirus. The order benefits migrants in detention who are older than 60 years of age, pregnant women and those who suffer from chronic diseases.
• RATIONALE: “The suspension is granted so that the responsible authorities immediately release the people detained in the migratory stations who are part of some vulnerable group given the risk of acquiring the disease, and opt for other mechanisms”, federal judge Jonathan Bass ordered Friday.
• REQUEST: Judge Bass’ order has national reach and could still be appealed by Mexico’s Migration Institute (INM). The injunction was granted in response to an emergency request by a group of more than 40 immigration advocacy groups led by FJEDD, Sin Fronteras, Asylum Access and IMUMI.
• CHILDREN: The judge’s order also demands Mexican authorities to present a report of how many unaccompanied children are in detention along with their immediate transfer to proper shelters. Advocates have accused that detention centers do not comply with social distancing guidelines.
