The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Issues Two Statements: Expresses Concern with Immigrants' Access to Justice, and Urges DOJ to Work with Police Departments on Constitutional Policing

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, by majority vote, has issued two statements: expressing concern that enforcing immigration detainers in courthouses diminishes access to justice for all persons, and urging the U.S. Department of Justice to work with police departments to ensure constitutional policing.

The Commission is concerned that access to justice for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities is hindered by recent federal government actions in stationing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in local courthouses. The Commission urges the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to consider the fair administration of justice when determining how and where they send ICE agents.

The Commission is also concerned by signals from the Department of Justice indicating that it does not intend to continue holding local police departments accountable for violating the rights of individuals, as defined by the Constitution and other federal laws. The Commission calls on the Attorney General to reexamine this course and continue to fulfill the Department's mandate to protect the civil rights of all persons.

Chair Catherine E. Lhamon stated: "The Commission continues to fulfill its role in holding the federal government accountable in its efforts to enforce civil rights. Ensuring equal access to courthouses and constitutional policing are necessary parts of those efforts."

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters and issuing an annual federal civil rights enforcement report. For information about the Commission, please visit http://www.usccr.gov and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Contact: Brian Walch
publicaffairs@usccr.gov 
202-376-8371

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SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights