House Democrats sent a letter to federal immigration authorities on Monday demanding they release detained illegal immigrants to decrease the likelihood of contracting COVID-19.

“In times of a public health crisis, it is imperative that we protect the most vulnerable and remove barriers to care for all, including fears of enforcement that prevent immigrant communities from seeking care,” the lawmakers wrote. “COVID-19 does not discriminate based on nationality, citizenship status, or any other characteristic, and our federal agencies must respond accordingly.”