Aurora ICE facility TB investigation remains unresolved after access deadline passed

The tuberculosis investigation at the GEO Aurora ICE Processing Center remains unresolved after health officials say the facility did not provide the access and records needed to identify people who may have been exposed.

The Adams County Health Department says it confirmed one laboratory-confirmed case of active tuberculosis involving a detainee. The department says its investigation remains incomplete. The Department of Homeland Security disputes that an active case has been confirmed at the Aurora facility.

Health officials say records and access are missing

Adams County says it requested access to the patient, medical records, housing and movement information, and other records needed to identify possible contacts. The department said the information and access were not voluntarily provided, prompting a public-health order issued June 25, 2026.

Those records are needed to interview the patient, review medical information, identify and notify possible contacts, coordinate testing, and arrange treatment or follow-up when appropriate.

Without the information, the county says it cannot determine the full scope of possible exposure. Potentially affected groups include other detainees, employees, contractors, visitors, and people who have since been transferred or released from the facility.

State officials set a July 17 deadline

On July 15, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment demanded immediate cooperation from GEO Group and asked the facility to provide investigators access no later than July 17.

Colorado Public Radio reported that the state sought access, records and information related to the case and people who may have been exposed. State officials said delays made it harder to identify, test and treat people who may have been exposed.

The latest verified independent report reviewed for this article, published by Colorado Newsline on July 22, said the July 17 deadline passed without the access and information health officials said they needed. The investigation remained open, and the scope of possible exposure was undetermined.

County and federal officials give conflicting accounts

Adams County said on July 14 that it had confirmed one laboratory-confirmed active TB case involving a detainee. The department also said it was aware of reports of additional possible cases but had not independently verified them.

CBS Colorado reported that a DHS spokesperson said Aurora had no confirmed active TB cases. DHS also said the facility had complied with federal and Colorado communicable-disease requirements.

The competing statements do not establish an outbreak or confirm additional cases. They show that the public-health investigation remains contested while county and state officials seek access and documentation.

What visitors and families should know

In guidance issued July 16, Adams County said visitor risk remained low based on the information available at that time. The department said visitors did not need to wear masks solely to protect themselves from TB and did not recommend changes to routine work or visitation schedules.

The county said the greatest concern was for people who had prolonged contact with the person with TB and people who may be immunocompromised. People known to have been exposed may need testing, a risk assessment and follow-up testing eight to 10 weeks after exposure.

People who have left the facility and are unsure whether they were exposed can seek evaluation from a health care provider, including the Denver Health Tuberculosis Clinic, according to the county’s tuberculosis frequently asked questions. Further public-health guidance depends on obtaining the patient information, medical records and movement data needed to complete contact tracing.

Sources

• Adams County Health Department: TB investigation update
• Colorado Public Radio: State health department asks GEO Group for access
• CBS Colorado: Conflicting accounts over active TB case
• Colorado Newsline: Health officials still unable to investigate TB case