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DOVER - While the state ACLU claimed earlier this month that not immediately releasing all ICE detainees from Strafford County Jail put inmates, staff and the broader community "at great risk of death or grave injury," due to COVID-19, no staff or inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus, the jail's superintendent said on Monday.
The law firms of Nixon Peabody LLP, Whatley Kallas LLP, Shaheen & Gordon PA, Newman Law Office PLLC, and Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP all joined in the class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court seeking the immediate release of all ICE detainees at the jail.
Strafford County House of Corrections Supt. Chris Brackett said several inmates and staff have been tested due to symptoms but they all came back negative. Another inmate seeking treatment for an unrelated issue who is without symptoms is being tested to ensure they don't infect a health care facility or its workers.
Brackett said ICE did allow two detainees held at the jail to be released on Wednesday, but another 65 remain in custody. ACLU officials said the two were being held on detainers, but not for any crimes.
Brackett also said no prisoners from the jail's general population have been released due to coronavirus concerns, largely due to the rigorous review by Community Corrections after every conviction and incarceration order.
"We are practicing social distancing and the jail staff and the inmates have been very cooperative in this effort," he said.
The jail is equipped with two negative pressure cells where a prisoner who has signs and symptoms can be safely quarantined, Brackett said.
The jail is also equipped with an elaborate smoke evacuation system as part of its fire suppressant effort.
Brackett said he had no knowledge on the status of the two prisoners released to ICE officers. ICE officers at their regional office in Burlington, Mass., were not immediately available for comment.
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