Legislative Committee Wants To Correct Immigration Raid Problems


Web Editor: Matt Bush, Online Content Producer
Created: 3/20/2007 6:07:37 PM


State lawmakers say they will draw up guidelines for federal immigration authorities in an effort to prevent future raids like the one in New Bedford earlier this month.

The roundup of more than 360 illegal aliens left officials scrambling to care for dozens of children and relatives of the arrested immigrants.

State Senator Karen Spilka acknowledges Massachusetts can't force the feds to accept their recommendations, but says the state can't ignore the problems.

Public Safety Secretary Kevin Burke says he was astounded to learn that federal agents didn't have detailed written policies to deal with the children left behind.

The state Senate's Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing on the issue Tuesday.


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