And while those hotlines and drones hope to capture more border jumpers, eventually they will all end up at the Kolbe Central Prison. And because of an increased number of illegals being sent to prison in the time of the pandemic, the prison has instituted a new policy: "All Inmates admitted for immigration offences must present formal documentation indicating COVID free status before approval for admission."
We spoke to the Prison CEO this evening and asked him why this is now necessary:
Virgillo Murillo, CEO, Kolbe Foundation
"We saw where illegal entry offences went up when you compare at the end of March, we only had 83 persons in prison for illegal entry. When you look at our head count it's at 150 for this particular offence. That is a whopping 67 more prisoners and then there is the closure of borders still, so Hondurans, Salvadorarians cannot be deported. We had to put something in place and I know that there is a clearance certificate that is issued by the respective districts to show that these people once they are caught they go through that quarantining or that isolation for 14 or 21 days whatever the case may be. So if I see that certificate then I don't have a problem accepting these individuals."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Have you been receiving persons who did not have this and how much of administrative headache will it be for the authorities to give each illegal immigrant who is headed into prison a document like this?"
Virgillo Murillo
"We weren't receiving that particular document, but I was assured that there was something set up with immigration department that once they catch these people, there were that obligation on their part whoever caught them to ensure that they had gone through their mandatory quarantining process."
Murillo says the Prison continues to be COVID free due to vigilance and strict protocols.
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