The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arizona famous in an Aug. 1 letter to CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus that the confiscation of turbans by U.S. border brokers has occurred alongside the Yuma sector, sharply rising in June. However Arizona Luminaria reviews that the employee with Casa Alitas “stated that the the violations prolong past Yuma, sharing reviews of Sikhs passing by way of Lukeville in Border Patrol’s Tucson sector additionally having their turbans confiscated.”
The seizure of sacred headwear by border brokers alongside the Tucson sector grew to become so aggressive {that a} volunteer purchased a big amount of cloth in order that migrants arriving to consumption appointments may attempt to exchange the turbans stolen from them. “They may personally account for about 20 individuals who had not too long ago had their turbans confiscated by Border Patrol, however had been assured the quantity is considerably larger.” The Casa Alitas volunteer additionally equipped documentation tallying border officers cruelly denying vegetarian meals to migrants.
The letter to Magnus particulars abuses within the Yuma sector, however gives no perception into the Tucson abuses. Arizona Luminaria reviews that the employees spoke to the outlet confidentially. Casa Alitas, one of many borderland organizations that helps serve newly arrived migrant households, wouldn’t touch upon the knowledge shared by employees, solely to say they had been violating their media coverage, the report famous. “We had been suggested to not speak to the press about something to take care of our relationship with Border Patrol, however sitting right here and doing nothing just isn’t serving to something,” one employee advised the outlet.
Following the disturbing preliminary reviews of the confiscations, Magnus stated that an investigation might be opened into the abuses. “Our expectation is that CBP workers deal with all migrants we encounter with respect,” he stated in a press release reported by The Washington Put up. “An inside investigation has been opened to deal with this matter.”
“Strong protections for non secular train are essential in settings the place people are in authorities custody,” civil rights advocates stated within the letter to Magnus. “Yuma Border Patrol Sector’s actions towards Sikh asylees are particularly egregious as a result of the power to put on a turban is a core tenet of the Sikh religion and spiritual observe. Yuma officers should stop their observe of confiscating turbans or every other non secular headwear.”
“Lastly, we be aware that the everlasting confiscation of non secular headwear is however one piece of a extra common, well-documented, and recurring observe by brokers within the Yuma Border Patrol Sector of forcing apprehended migrants to discard almost all of their private property upfront of processing,” they continued. “We might be following up with you in coming weeks to deal with this broader drawback, however we search your rapid motion to stop the confiscation of turbans or non secular headwear.”
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