CONTACT:
Nsombi Lambright at 601-573-3978 or nlambright@msaclu.org
The following can be attributed to Nsombi Lambright, Executive Director of the ACLU of Mississippi and Kristy Bennett, Staff Attorney, respectively, regarding the immigration raids which occurred in Laurel, Mississippi this week:
"Too many immigrants caught up in raids around the country have been transferred to detention centers and pressured into signing removal orders without being able to consult with counsel or family," said Nsombi Lambright, Executive Director the ACLU of Mississippi. "It is time to end the cycle of unconstitutional raids and mass proceedings, and to act in accordance with the Constitution." (Nsombi Lambright, Executive Director of the ACLU of Mississippi)"The Constitution of the United States guarantees due process and equal protection to all persons in the country, not just U.S. citizens. The raids conducted in Laurel, MS this week, resulting in the detention of over 800 people, are yet another example of the constant battle we face in this state to ensure that basic constitutional guarantees are afforded to all people. The ACLU of MS intends to closely monitor and investigate the situation in Laurel, and around the state, to ensure these fundamental rights are recognized and protected." (Kristy Bennett, Staff Attorney, ACLU of Mississippi)
For more information about the work of the ACLU of Mississippi please visit www.msaclu.org and to learn about ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project go to www.aclu.org/immigrants.
