Human Rights First Urges Secretary Ridge to Rescind New Detention Policy
On March 20, 2003, Human Rights First sent a letter to Homeland
Security Secretary Tom Ridge expressing concern regarding the recent
announcement that the Department of Homeland Security has begun
implementing a blanket policy to detain asylum seekers from certain
unspecified countries, as part of “Operation Liberty Shield.”
While recognizing the critical importance of the Department’s
mission in protecting the United States from harm, the letter states
that this mission can be accomplished in a fair and non-discriminatory
manner. Stating that this new policy fails that test, Human Rights First urges Secretary Ridge to rescind the policy.
The letter states, in part:
“Human Rights First is familiar with many cases of refugees
who have fled torture and repression by regimes in countries such
as Iraq, and other countries where terrorist groups like al Queda
are active. Jailing these refugees, based solely on their nationality,
during the pendency of their immigration proceedings will further
traumatize many who continue to suffer the effects of the persecution
and mistreatment they fled.”
