Seven people released from immigration detention are suing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The plaintiffs say the agency has routinely failed to return passports, work permits, identification documents, and personal belongings after detainees leave custody, sometimes leaving them unable to work, drive, or support their families.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court in Washington, accuses ICE of maintaining a nationwide "de facto policy" of withholding property even when the government no longer has a legitimate reason to keep it. The plaintiffs say the practice has left people unable to work or drive, facing high financial costs and, in some cases, afraid to leave their homes without identification.
ICE Hit With Nationwide Class Action Over Withheld Passports, Work Permits
by Editor's Pick
on Friday
Seven people released from immigration detention are suing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The plaintiffs say the agency has routinely failed to return passports, work permits, identification documents, and personal belongings after detainees leave custody, sometimes leaving them unable to work, drive, or support their families.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court in Washington, accuses ICE of maintaining a nationwide "de facto policy" of withholding property even when the government no longer has a legitimate reason to keep it. The plaintiffs say the practice has left people unable to work or drive, facing high financial costs and, in some cases, afraid to leave their homes without identification.
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