Louisiana sues after rare TB outbreak from illegal immigrant
- A Chinese migrant diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis exposed over 200 individuals while being transferred between different ICE facilities.
- The individual had crossed into California illegally in July, was symptomatic, but was released into the general population in August.
- The lawsuit aims to address public health threats linked to the federal immigration process and calls into question the effectiveness of current border policies.
In October 2024, Louisiana officials announced a lawsuit against several federal agencies, including Homeland Security and ICE, following an incident in which a Chinese immigrant exposed detainees and staff to a rare and drug-resistant tuberculosis strain. This individual had crossed the southern border in California in July 2024 and, despite showing TB symptoms, was released into the general population at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in August. Subsequently, over 200 individuals were considered at risk due to the migrant's movement through various detention facilities. Following positive test results for tuberculosis in October, the affected dormitory was quarantined, prompting state officials to emphasize the serious nature of this infection, notably as it is believed to originate from abroad rather than domestically. The lawsuit reflects growing concerns about public health safety amid current border policies, with Louisiana's Governor and Attorney General criticizing the federal handling of immigration as jeopardizing the well-being of American citizens.