The ACLU has asked a federal judge to release hundreds of Iraqis who are being detained by immigration authorities.
The detainees face deportation for crimes, many committed years ago. They’ve lived in the country lawfully since their convictions, and reported regularly to immigration officials before they were detained.
Miriam Aukerman is an ACLU attorney. She says the detainees have been held for as long as five months without ever seeing a judge.
“In America, no one should be locked up for months or years without a hearing to determine if their detention is even justified.”
“And there’s absolutely no reason why they should be incarcerated. ICE has not only thrown these Iraqis in jail, but ICE has thrown away the key.”
“These are individuals who have a right to be heard before an immigration judge before they can be locked up. You can’t lock people up indefinitely without ever getting to see a judge.”
Aukerman says the detainees don’t pose a flight risk. She says they have families here and many own businesses.
The government has until the end of the month to respond.