ACLU criticizes deal on immigrant prisoners

September 18, 2008 6:00 AM

Six men accused of assaulting fellow inmate with ties to rival gangFall open house at Tihonet Village MarketCopter catches waterfront's attention PROVIDENCE — A civil liberties group says illegal immigrants at the state prison should have access to a lawyer before deciding whether to participate in a program that could get them out of jail faster.

Gov. Don Carcieri announced an agreement with U.S. immigration authorities last week that would allow nonviolent inmates to be released early from prison if they're already facing deportation from the U.S. and agree not to return to the country.

Steven Brown, the executive director of the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, says prisoners should be allowed to see a lawyer to make sure they've pursued all their rights to stay in the country.

He says the agreement applies to lawful permanent residents as well as illegal immigrants.

Corrections director A.T. Wall says his lawyers are reviewing the ACLU's concerns.

— The Associated Press
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