
Louisiana is suing the Biden-Harris administration, accusing it of allowing illegal immigration policies that led to the spread of a rare and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) strain. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s lawsuit argues that DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas enabled an illegal immigrant from China to enter and move through several ICE facilities, putting the public at risk.
The lawsuit states that the migrant brought an “aggressive” and “drug-resistant” TB strain into the state, causing what Louisiana calls an “emergency situation.” The lawsuit names DHS, ICE, and the detention centers involved as defendants. Murrill demands that ICE conduct medical checks and provide health clearance before releasing detainees. According to reports, ICE has refused to guarantee such measures, prompting the legal action.
Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) tried to reassure residents, saying, “At this time, we have no indication that the public is in any danger.” The Chinese national had been living in Mexico before crossing the border into California illegally in July. DHS transported the migrant to Alexandria, LA, and later to Richwood Correction Center in Monroe, along with 40 others.
Medical tests at the correction center returned “highly positive” for TB. The lawsuit notes that some individuals in the group were deported, transferred, or released, increasing the potential risk of further spread. The strain’s drug-resistant nature makes treatment difficult, raising alarms among state officials.
Critics of the Biden-Harris administration argue that loose immigration policies have led to overcrowded facilities, causing migrants to be moved between states without proper health screening. Vice President Kamala Harris has faced backlash for her inconsistent position, supporting both stricter immigration controls and a general amnesty for illegal immigrants.