Thread: ICE inmates protest jail conditions

Sunday, March 18, 2007 · Last updated 7:44 p.m. PT

ICE inmates protest jail conditions

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- More than 100 inmates awaiting federal immigration hearings staged a peaceful protest Sunday to complain about jail conditions and ended it hours later, satisfied.

Monmouth County Undersheriff Ted Freeman said 132 inmates refused to eat or participate in activities because they wanted, among other things, more food and Spanish-speaking officers, and for a television set to be fixed.

"The warden has been meeting with them all day, and their concerns have been met," Freeman told the Asbury Park Press. "The demonstration - or whatever you want to call it - is over."

Freeman did not expect food servings to change, saying all inmates get three meals a day, for 3,400 calories. Inmates also can buy items such as crackers.

And while the television had been replaced, Freeman said he did not know how the request for more Spanish-speaking officers would be resolved.

The inmates were satisfied that jail officials were working to address some of their concerns, Freeman said.

Denton Osborne, 36, of New York, said his brother, Ray Osborne, 33, took part in the protest. Ray Osborne lost about 20 pounds since arriving at the facility in January, his brother said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement pays the jail $80 a day for each inmate, and their stays vary. The ICE inmates make up about 10 percent of the jail's population, Freeman said.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/ ... otest.html

Why are they hanging on to these people sent them back where they belong.