The Stewart Detention Center in Southwest Georgia has confirmed its first case of COVID-19. An employee at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility tested positive for the virus on March 30.
The center is one of the country’s largest, holding about 2,000 detainees. It is run by CoreCivic, a government contractor.
Last week, immigration rights advocates called on the center to release its detainees to prevent the spread of the virus. They said detainees typically live in close quarters and that social distancing within was impossible.
In a statement, CoreCivic said the employee is in isolation at home, and it has directed nine employees who have come into contact with the guard to self-quarantine.
As of publication, ICE has not recognized the case on its website describing its response to the coronavirus. It states that nationwide four detainees who have been in ICE custody and five personnel have tested positive for the virus.
