3. When attorneys representing clients being held at the Everglades detention center attempt to contest their confinement in federal court, they are told that the federal court lacks jurisdiction because the facility is being run by the state government.
4. But under the Immigration and Nationality Act, immigration detention is a federal matter and, therefore, the exclusive jurisdiction of federal courts. So there is no where for the people detained at the Everglades detention camp to go.
5. The plaintiffs also contend that detainees are prevented "from communicating confidentially with legal counsel." The only contact with the outside world that is permitted is "via infrequent access to collect pay phone calls that are monitored and recorded, and last approximately five minutes."
6. At a hearing on these issues this week, a federal judge demanded more clarity on "who is running the show" at the Everglades detention camp. He described the current situation as "a bit of a black hole."
7. At the hearing, an attorney representing the government said he was "not prepared" to state what court had jurisdiction over legal issues raised by detainees. The attorney also declined to immediately provide a copy of the agreement between the state of Florida and ICE.
😳
Hold that attorney in contempt and a cell until the 18th
8. The judge did not immediately rule but asked for additional legal arguments and scheduled another in-person meeting on August 18. Until then, hundreds of detainees will remain in legal limbo.
Way too many Judges are enabling this horror show. I know justice is not fast, but to have the govt. lie, refuse to follow Judicial orders, show up unprepared etc. over and over you would think one or two would say enough and charge some at DOJ with contempt.
sounds like the Gitmo legal conundrum now on US domestic soil.
If the court meets once a month for a decade or two we might figure this out!
Christ the courts can be sooooo slow
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Excellent work, Mr. Legum !
Thank you, Judd.