In the middle of the reporting on Black Lives Matter, and the epidemic of people being killed for the color of their skin, a report that under any other circumstances would have been front page news has slipped largely under the radar. 

Over the last few years we have witnessed our government violate the basic human rights of both citizens and non citizens over and over again. Many of us have begun to grow numb to the constant disregard for human life and dignity displayed by our government. Over the last few months we have seen the scales tip further and further into outright violence against those residing on American soil, regardless of how they got there. More than ever, its right in front of us and its overwhelming.

ICE is spraying a highly toxic chemical  HDQ Neutral in its facilities every 15-30 minutes 24 hours a day, without any regard for the safety of those caught it the field of the aerosol. They claim its a disinfectant being used to clear the facility of Covid 19.

"According to the manufacturer's safety sheet, the disinfectant should be used "only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area" (2)

However these chemicals are being sprayed consistently in un-ventilated areas, not allowing for the chemical to disperse, keeping it concentrated to dangerous levels. the results are horrific:

"The guards have started spraying this chemical everywhere, all over everything, all the time. It causes a terrible reaction on our skin," one inmate said. "When I blow my nose, blood comes out. They are treating us like animals. One person fainted and was taken out, I don't know what happened to them. There is no fresh air" (1)

It has already caused significant harm to detainees, including painful blisters, respiratory damage, nosebleeds, fainting spells, painful rashes and other allergic reactions to the chemical. Those spraying the chemical do so wearing protective gear, but detainees have no buffer from this chemical spray and their living quarters are coated in it and it has even ended up in their food. 

"Typically, if someone came into contact with HDQ Neutral on either their eyes or skin, or if it was inhaled or ingested, Spartan Chemical clearly directs the person to, “IMMEDIATELY CALL A POISON CENTER OR PHYSICIAN" (3).

The individuals being held in the Adelanto immigration detention facility have no masks for personal protection, and no one to call, as their cries of eyes burning and blood being coughed up fall on deaf ears, the advocacy organizations write in their letter" (3).

This is clearly a human rights violation. It causes clear, calculable harm to detainees whose only "crime" was crossing a border, often LEGALLY to seek asylum. Our nation is having a much needed discussion right now about how we treat our citizens. This HAS to be a part of that conversation. Americans need to stand up and let our government know we see what they are doing, we are paying attention and we WILL hold them accountable. Spraying harmful chemicals on people out of the view of the public shows that they KNOW what they are doing is illegal and wrong. This is unacceptable and it has to stop. 

TELL ICE TO STOP SPRAYING TOXIC CHEMICALS IN THEIR DETENTION FACILITIES IMMEDIATELY. 

Please sign this petition and share it widely so that we can spread this news to every American and we can hold the US government accountable for the crimes they are committing on a daily basis against those within its borders. 

All Power to the people because the power of the people doesn't stop. 

Sources: 

1) https://www.insider.com/report-detention-centers-use-disinfectant-causing-bleeding-and-pain-2020-6#:~:text=Report%20finds%20ICE%20detention%20center,that%20causes%20bleeding%20and%20pain&text=Two%20advocacy%20organizations%20have%20filed,over%2050%20times%20a%20day

2)https://laist.com/2020/05/22/advocates_file_complaint_over_chemical_use_at_adelanto_detention_center.php

3) https://thecrimereport.org/2020/06/11/ice-spraying-disinfectant-on-ca-detainees-day-and-night-report/