Crow Statement on ICE Extending Contract for Annex at Aurora Detention Facility

AURORA, CO - Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) released the following statement on the news that ICE will be extending its contract to allow for use of the annex space for another 12 months at the Aurora detention facility. The annex, which houses an additional 432 beds, was initially called into question by Rep. Crow in February in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security.

"At the same time this administration is promoting dangerous immigration policies such as family separation and gutting resources at every level for immigration services, the Aurora ICE facility's 40 percent capacity increase will be extended for another 12 months. We must do all that we can to stand up for the safety of our communities and public health. In the last three months, we've seen multiple disease outbreaks and disturbing reports about the medical care and conditions of the facility. If the facility is going to increase its population, it is common sense that their medical staff and resources would increase as well.

"I am also concerned that the temporary nature of the Annex in Aurora is not up to the standards that a permanent facility would be held to. I continue to ask for, and have failed to receive, the contracts between ICE and GEO, which would answer many of the questions that the public desperately needs answered. A failure to do so is a threat to the safety of the detainees and the public health of our community. It is the responsibility of ICE to provide the public with clear and definitive answers about its plans and provide their contracts immediately."