ICE Will Not Arrest Undocumented Immigrants At COVID Vaccine Sites

As if the COVID-19 pandemic isn't scary enough, if you are an undocumented immigrant, the idea of entering personal information on a government website to get a COVID test or vaccine has got to be a terrifying prospect. Sign up websites ask for things like full names, phone numbers, and in some cases, addresses. You can see why all that personal identifying information could be problematic for someone who is undocumented, but the federal government says they don't need to worry.

The Department of Homeland Security has had a long-standing policy that they don't make arrests in areas they call "sensitive" like churches, hospitals, health clinics, and doctor's offices. I think the humanitarian aspect of that policy is something we should celebrate. No, I don't want people breaking the law but do we really want to be arresting people while they are worshipping their god? When they're getting medical attention and at their most vulnerable? I don't want my government doing that and I'm glad to hear they don't.

I know that undocumented immigrants are breaking the law but in the El Paso/Las Cruces/Juarez area, we are a true melting pot and we need to take care of everyone. We all know how many undocumented immigrants make this area hum. They are working in our businesses, in our homes, and in all levels of society. Do we really want people who are working to make a living and working in places in which we shop and frequent to not be vaccinated?

If you are undocumented or know someone who is and they are not willing to sign up for a vaccine, let them know that it's ok to do so. We can only beat this pandemic if everyone is vaccinated.