SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — County commissioners in rural New Mexico extended authorization for a migrant detention facility Wednesday in cooperation with federal authorities over objections by advocates for immigrant rights who allege inhumane conditions and due process violations at the privately operated Torrance County Detention Facility.
The 3-0 vote by the Torrance County commission clears the way for a four-month extension through September of an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the detention of migrants at the facility.
At a public meeting, advocates renewed criticism that the facility has inadequate living conditions and provides limited access to legal counsel for asylum-seekers who cycle through. Critics of the detention center have urged federal immigration authorities to end their contract with a private detention operator, while unsuccessfully calling on state lawmakers to ban local government contracts for migrant detention.
Steve Carell and Tina Fey reunite for Netflix's eight
UN chief applauds formation of transitional council in Haiti
Roundup: Establishment of diplomatic ties with China applauded across Honduras
Roundup: Ohio derailment leads to long
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden is the image of glamour in a flowing white gown
China launches satellite to monitor marine, space environments
Juvenile murder case in North China shines spotlight on school bullying
Messi wins 2022 Best FIFA Men's Player Award
New Jersey Democrat Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 after heart attack
Rangers star Corey Seager hit by pitch, leaves game because of shin contusion
European stocks drop as ECB hikes rates