Bill to provide detained immigrants access to clergy passes Illinois House
Legislation could go to Senate next week
Tribune staff report

11:42 PM CDT, May 14, 2008

The Illinois House unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that would ensure immigrant detainees in county jails have access to priests, rabbis, imams and other religious workers. The bill, which could go to the Senate for a vote next week, comes as more raids and deportations have boosted the number of immigrants at two state facilities in McHenry County and Downstate Pulaski County.

Currently, national detention standards require that religious activities be open to all detainees, said Gail Montenegro, a spokeswoman with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. At the McHenry County Jail, a chaplain coordinates Sunday services and weekly religious studies.

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