(CNN) The Department of Homeland Security is administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to immigrant detainees as part of an effort to scale up vaccinations for Covid-19 at Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, ICE told CNN in a statement. DHS received an initial allocation of 10,000 vaccine doses and nationwide distribution is underway, according to ICE. There were more than 27,600 immigrants in ICE custody as of July 9. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic , ICE detention facilities have wrestled with a growing number of positive cases, totaling more than 19,879 confirmed cases and nine deaths. The issue garnered fresh attention last month when three whistleblowers urged the Biden administration to do more to vaccinate immigrants in ICE detention.

Source: CNN July 13, 2021 22:52 UTC