US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Wednesday that they will halt enforcement efforts in the US, excluding attempts to deport foreign nationals who pose a public safety risk.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, ICE has suspended immigration enforcement in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus. ICE said that they will use “alternatives to detention” to promote public safety whilst the pandemic continues.

The enforcement restrictions were also extended to operating near health care facilities. This included doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, etcetera, except in exceptional circumstances. ICE stated that “individuals should not avoid seeking medical care because they fear civil immigration enforcement.”

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