FLETC Situation Presents Health, Safety Concerns As Departures Halted

Today, Congressman Steve Pearce received confirmed information about public health and safety issues at the Federal Law Enforcedment Training Centers (FLETC) facility in Artesia. The information, confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security, detailed the conditions for the undocumented immigrant women and children held at FLETC. DHS confirmed that arrivals and departures have been halted as they treat and vaccinate the population for Varicella (chicken pox).

"As the FLETC facility reaches maximum capacity, I am increasingly concerned for the health and safety of the women and children at FLETC and for the local community. The virus, that has caused two residents to be put in isolation, has halted all departures," said Pearce. "Our office communicated to DHS officials outlining our concerns with impacting local citizens, posing risks to the local community and draining limited county medical resources. Our office has called for DHS to talk to the community directly, and answer all questions and concerns about all matters at FLETC, through open town hall meetings or forums."

FLETC officials will reportedly now use Eastern New Mexico Regional Medical Center in Roswell, instead of Artesia General Hospital, for patient care. This questionable decision by DHS is a concern for Congressman Pearce as it relates to the possible unexpected burden on local medical resources, moving patients nearly an hour away from the facility for treatment.

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