ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Attorneys for people who have been detained in New Mexico jails at the request of federal immigration agents pending status checks are putting counties across the state on notice that they might be sued over the practice.
The Albuquerque Journal (https://bit.ly/1t8zJMD ) reports that counties receiving letters include Bernalillo County, which recently changed its policy that previously allowed for detaining inmates without a court order.
Albuquerque attorneys Ryan Villa and Olsi Vrapi say they are looking into allegations of false imprisonment and other violations arising from immigration holds of people who otherwise would be released.
A lawyer for the New Mexico Association of Counties says numerous counties have received letters about potential litigation centering on immigration.
Association General Counsel Grace Phillips also says many counties have already changed their policies.
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