Louisiana is taking legal action against the Biden-Harris administration, claiming illegal immigration policies allowed a dangerous tuberculosis strain to enter the state. Attorney General Liz Murrill’s lawsuit targets DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, alleging that his policies led to an infected Chinese migrant entering the U.S. and spreading the disease.
The lawsuit states that the migrant, who crossed the border illegally, carries a “rare, aggressive, and drug-resistant” form of tuberculosis. Louisiana argues this has created an “emergency situation” in the state. DHS, ICE, and specific detention facilities are named as defendants. The state demands that ICE guarantee health screenings before releasing detainees to avoid further health risks.
Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) addressed the public, saying, “At this time, we have no indication that the public is in any danger.” The lawsuit notes that the migrant was caught after crossing the border into California in July. DHS later transported the individual to Alexandria, LA, with 100 others, before moving the group to Richwood Correction Center.
A TB test conducted at the facility showed a “highly positive” result for the strain. The state reports that some of those transported alongside the infected individual were either deported, transferred, or released, raising concerns about the spread of the disease. Louisiana is urging ICE to perform thorough health checks for detainees, but ICE has not agreed to these terms.
Critics argue that the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies have led to overcrowded detention centers, forcing the movement of detainees between states. Vice President Kamala Harris has faced scrutiny for her conflicting messages, supporting both tighter controls and amnesty measures. Louisiana’s lawsuit highlights the public health risks tied to these policies, calling for urgent action.
