The state of Louisiana is holding the Biden-Harris administration responsible for a rare tuberculosis outbreak, filing a lawsuit against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The lawsuit claims that illegal immigration policies have allowed a Chinese national with a drug-resistant form of TB to enter the state, exposing residents to serious health risks.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill argues in the lawsuit that Mayorkas’ policies led to the migrant being housed in several ICE facilities despite the health threat. Describing the situation as an “emergency,” the state claims the TB strain is “aggressive” and “drug-resistant,” with a high mortality rate. The lawsuit also names DHS, ICE, and specific detention facilities as defendants.
Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) reassured the public that there is no immediate danger, stating, “At this time, we have no indication that the public is in any danger.” The Chinese migrant had been living in Mexico and crossed into California illegally before being apprehended. DHS then transported the migrant to Alexandria, LA, and later moved the person with a group of 40 others to Richwood Correction Center.
A TB test at the facility returned “highly positive,” according to the lawsuit. It also mentions that some members of the group have since been deported, transferred, or released, raising concerns about potential spread. Louisiana is demanding that ICE provide health clearance before releasing any detainees, but ICE has not agreed to these terms.
The administration’s handling of overcrowded detention centers has faced criticism, with migrants being flown or bused across state lines. Vice President Kamala Harris has drawn controversy for her stance, as she simultaneously advocates for stricter controls and amnesty. Louisiana’s lawsuit highlights the health risks of current immigration policies and the need for better enforcement.
