Report: Illegal immigrant minors mistreated by US
Published: 11/14/08, 3:45 AM EDT
By ANABELLE GARAY
DALLAS (AP) - Federal authorities have compromised the rights and safety of some unaccompanied illegal immigrant children they have detained, and inadequate government guidelines are partly to blame, according to a Texas-based research group.
Many children appeared before immigration judges without legal representation, some were transported home in shackles or cages, and the medical needs of some were ignored, according to a report released Thursday by the Center for Public Policy Priorities, a nonprofit think tank.
"There's no consistent policy. There's nobody who's responsible for these kids, in looking out for their safety," report author Amy Thompson said. "It's being handled in ad hoc fashion."
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration and border enforcement, disputes the center's findings.
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