Velazquez Wants Answers from ICE on Kosher Meals: Says NY Detainee’s Rights May Have Been Violated

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has written Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after hearing that a Jewish detainee in upstate New York, Dovid Kohn, may not be receiving properly prepared kosher meals. The Congresswoman asks that the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility review how kosher meals are prepared and delivered.

"We have an obligation to ensure those in federal custody are allowed to practice their faith, free of harassment or restraint," Velázquez noted. "ICE has a troubling pattern of ignoring important religious considerations for those of many different faiths who are in their custody. Most recently, we've heard Mr. Kohn may have received meals that are not fully kosher, despite his requests. That would be unacceptable, and I expect this facility to remedy the situation immediately."

The full text of Velázquez's letter is below.

April 15, 2019

Diana Miller-Jones

Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer

Detained Case Management

Buffalo Federal Detention Facility

4250 Federal Drive

Batavia, NY 14020

RE: Dovid Kohn

Dear Officer Miller-Jones:

I write to highlight Dovid Kohn's grievances on current dietary accommodations. As you know, observers of the Jewish faith follow stricter dietary requirements than they do during the rest of the year. Most importantly, the food, and any utensils must be kosher. It is important that the preparation of meals retain its kosher integrity. Such integrity is critically important, especially since the Passover holiday is quickly approaching.

It is my understanding that your facility has worked with Rabbi David Niederman of the United Jewish Organizations (UJO), to ensure that all food, including the procedures followed in preparation and sanitization of such products, meet the needs of the kosher population at this facility. I am, however, concerned that the facility may not be meeting the needs of its Jewish population despite receiving an external review from Akima Global Services. Mr. Kohn has expressed grievances over the preparation process employed by the facility when unwrapping products from their factory-sealed packaging. In addition, there are concerns over the use of non-kosher trays to serve meals.

While I appreciate your facility's work and collaboration with Members from my Jewish community for their input and guidance, I believe that any grievance regarding inconsistent compliance with dietary needs should be addressed. In addition, such review should also examine the infrastructure and mechanisms used to prepare or deliver kosher related meals. If upon review inconsistencies, like those highlighted by Mr. Kohn are found, corrective action should be immediately implemented.

Given the above considerations and the merits of Mr. Kohn's case, I request that your facility review the merits of this grievance and continue working with faith leaders to address such concerns, consistent with applicable law, rules and regulations.

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velázquez

Member of Congress

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