Federal detainer policy under scrutiny again in Miami

There are many here who are immigrants. Immigrants are a valuable backbone to our society and are wonderful contributors to all aspects of our state. The federal detainer policy, which requires extended detentions for those arrested on criminal charges is under scrutiny since a ramp up began in 2017.

A federal lawsuit has been filed in Miami-Dade County regarding their policy of detaining immigrants when pulled over for traffic violations. In 2017, President Trump said he would withhold money from sanctuary cities, like Miami, if they did not cooperate with immigration authorities.

The mayor of Miami instituted a policy to comply with the federal government requests. Two immigrants filed a lawsuit to challenge the federal detainer policy and argue that it does not help with public safety, which the federal government has claimed. The lawsuit claims that over 1,000 people were detained since the new policy.

The lawsuit argues that the detainers are unconstitutional because they cause people to be held in custody after they have been cleared of the criminal charges. The plaintiffs are hopeful this will turn into a class action lawsuit involving all who have been held.

Many immigrants live in fear every day that the federal government or other official will come and take them away. Many times, immigrants are in this country because they are escaping the horrors that are happening in their home country. These immigrants have legal rights that need to be protected.

A legal professional who is skilled in immigration can help those who are facing detainer charges learn their rights. An attorney understands how important it is for their client to remain in the U.S. and will work to support their needs.

Immigrants to the U.S. should not have to be scared of federal officials wherever they go. They are valuable members of our society and should have the opportunity to be safe.