Tuberculosis Epidemic Erupts in Colorado ICE Jail, 12 Detainees Infected

At least 12 detainees at a federal immigration jail in Colorado are battling tuberculosis, a dire situation unfolding within the facility.

Reports indicate that dozens of detainees have been quarantined. A detainee, who has been at the Aurora facility since December, revealed via a phone call that those infected are enduring isolation without air conditioning.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Geo Group, which operates the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center, have not responded to requests for comment or confirmation regarding the outbreak.

A Mexican detainee in his 30s provided a detailed account of the recent developments, stating that mass testing occurred within one of the center’s “pods.” All 88 individuals in his pod were tested on Saturday, revealing 12 positive cases—an alarming increase from just one three days prior.

On Sunday, the air conditioning in his pod failed. Staff handed out electric fans to combat the oppressive heat. The following day, Aurora faced a heat advisory with temperatures soaring to 96ºF.

The facility has a stated capacity of 1,532 detainees. The source did not disclose the total number of detainees currently held or the conditions in other pods. He described the atmosphere as “uncomfortable,” but noted that some detainees were receiving medication.

Concerns about the severity of tuberculosis are rising. The detainee's partner expressed worry over his underlying health conditions, stating, “The first day, he was very scared, very worried.”

Frustration mounts over the lack of air conditioning. The partner criticized the GEO Group’s response time, comparing it to her experience managing restaurants where repairs are made swiftly. “I don’t know why a multimillion-dollar corporation can’t get an air conditioning technician out there,” she said.

This is not the first TB outbreak at this facility; another occurred in April of last year. Democratic politicians filed a lawsuit seeking transparency from the Trump administration regarding conditions in federal detention facilities.

Jason Crow, a Democratic congressman representing Aurora, condemned the situation, stating, “For-profit prisons have perpetuated ICE’s lawlessness and endangered our communities.” He vowed to continue oversight efforts to hold ICE accountable.

The situation inside the facility remains critical as authorities grapple with the outbreak.