Hispanic advocates denounce R.I. immigration arrests
NEWPORT, R.I.—Hispanic advocacy groups denounced Friday the arrests of 42 people who were apprehended by federal authorities this week in the Newport area and charged with violating immigration laws.
Agents for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made the arrests Wednesday and Thursday in Newport and Middletown with the assistance of other law enforcement agencies. The suspects came from Brazil, Guatemala and Mexico.
Speaking at a news conference, Juan Garcia, who works with immigrants at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Providence, told WPRO-AM that federal immigration officials need to do their jobs with justice and humanity and also honor the Constitution.
Shannah Kurland of the Olneyville Neighborhood Association in Providence said federal agents are spreading fear in the Hispanic community.
Of those arrested, 33 people are subject to immediate deportation because they previously ignored court orders to leave the United States or returned to the country illegally after being deported. The rest of the suspects will have their cases heard before a federal judge.
In a written statement, Bruce Chadbourne, field office director of ICE's Office of Detention and Removal in Boston, said his agency works to enforce deportation orders.
"The United States welcomes law abiding immigrants, but foreign nationals who violate our laws and who commit crimes against those in our communities will not be allowed to stay," he said.
