An immigration rights activist is seen outside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Washington July 17, 2020. The agency announced July 9, 2021, that it will no longer detain most pregnant, nursing and postpartum women for deportation. (CNS photo/Leah Millis, Reuters)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency involved in deportations and other immigration-related detention proceedings, announced July 9 it would not detain, arrest or take into custody pregnant or nursing migrants for violating immigration laws except in exceptional circumstances.
This includes women who have given birth within a year, the agency said, adding it was doing so in recognition of the time needed for infant development and parental bonding.
ICE announces reversal of policy of detaining pregnant, nursing migrants
A child embraces a woman in Los Angeles as people hold signs to protest against former President Donald Trump’s executive order to detain children crossing the southern border and separating families June 7, 2018. U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement announced July 9 it would not detain or arrest pregnant or nursing migrants except in extraordinary cases. (CNS photo/Patrick T. Fallon, Reuters)
By Rhina Guidos • Catholic News Service • Posted July 12, 2021
WASHINGTON (CNS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency involved in deportations and other immigration-related detention proceedings, announced July 9 it would not detain, arrest or take into custody pregnant or nursing migrants for violating immigration laws except in exceptional circumstances.