Louisiana has filed a lawsuit against the Biden-Harris administration, alleging that its illegal immigration policies led to a dangerous strain of tuberculosis entering the state. The lawsuit, led by Attorney General Liz Murrill, specifically targets DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing him of permitting an infected Chinese migrant to move through ICE facilities and endanger public health.
The state describes the strain as “aggressive” and “drug-resistant,” stating that the migrant’s entry created an “emergency situation.” Louisiana’s legal filing also names DHS, ICE, and specific detention centers as defendants, arguing that their handling of detainees has placed Louisiana residents at risk. Murrill’s office is demanding that ICE perform thorough health screenings before releasing detainees.
Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) addressed concerns at a news conference, saying, “At this time, we have no indication that the public is in any danger.” The lawsuit details that the migrant crossed the U.S. border illegally into California in July and was then transported to Alexandria, LA. DHS later moved the individual, along with 40 others, to Richwood Correction Center in Monroe.
Tests at the correction center revealed a “highly positive” TB result. The state claims that some of those transferred alongside the infected individual have since been deported, moved to other facilities, or released. Louisiana argues that the drug-resistant nature of the strain makes it particularly dangerous and requires urgent action.
The Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies have been criticized for leading to overcrowded detention centers. Vice President Kamala Harris has been inconsistent in her messaging, supporting both stricter immigration controls and a broad amnesty program. Louisiana’s lawsuit emphasizes the health risks associated with these conflicting policies.
