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DYS facility eyed for immigration detainees
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Posted on Jul 15 2004
The Attorney General’s Office bared plans to jail immigration detainees at the juvenile detention facility in Kagman.
This development cropped up amid efforts to beef up enforcement of CNMI’s immigration policy. With the manhunt of some 159 illegally staying members of the garment class action suit alone, overcrowding at the Immigration detention facility in As Perdido becomes imminent.
Attorney General Pamela Brown yesterday confirmed the plan, noting that the Division of Youth Service’s facility in Kagman has been under-utilized. Reportedly, there are currently less then five juvenile delinquents at the DYS facility.
An anonymous caller earlier telephoned local media offices informing them of the plan. The caller said preparations are ongoing for the transfer of some immigration detainees to the DYS facility, expressing concern over the possible impact of the plan on juvenile delinquents.
Brown clarified, though, that the juvenile and immigration detainee populations would not be mixed.
Brown said the government would ensure that sight and sound barriers are in place before the plan is implemented, assuring that policies of the Justice Department and local laws would be adhered to.
There are some 20 detainees currently staying at the Immigration detention facility.
