Ansari, Stanton, Grijalva, Kelly Demand Answers on Measles Outbreak at Arizona Immigration Detention Facilities

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), along with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons demanding urgent answers about the reported measles outbreak affecting individuals detained at the Florence Detention Center and Florence Correctional Center.

"Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly in congregate settings. It is critical that your agencies act swiftly, transparently, and in coordination with state and local public health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread," the lawmakers write.

At least three individuals in federal custody in Arizona have tested positive for measles, and Arizona's Department of Health Services reports at least 31 additional cases statewide in 2026 alone. This is not the first time measles has spread at an ICE detention center in the state. In 2016, an outbreak at an ICE detention center in Pinal County saw more than 30 cases among detainees and nine staff members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

At least three individuals in federal custody in Arizona have tested positive for measles, and Arizona's Department of Health Services reports at least 31 additional cases statewide in 2026 alone. This is not the first time measles has spread at an ICE detention center in the state. In 2016, an outbreak at an ICE detention center in Pinal County saw more than 30 cases among detainees and nine staff members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The lawmakers' letter requests detailed information on more than two dozen questions, including:

• The number of confirmed and suspected cases among detained individuals and staff;
• Medical capacity and care being provided to detainees;
• Isolation and quarantine measures being implemented;
• Access to legal representation for detainees during quarantine measures;
• Vaccination rates and availability of MMR vaccines;
• And coordination with state and local public health authorities.

The letter is available HERE.

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