Vermont Prisons Agree to Improve Services for ICE Detainees After Discrimination Complaint – WTOP News
The deal requires access to lawyers, medical care and translation services for detainees, while the department denies wrongdoing.
- On Tuesday, the Vermont Department of Corrections reached a settlement with the Vermont Human Rights Commission to resolve a discrimination complaint about federal immigration detainee treatment in state facilities.
- The Vermont Asylum Assistance Project and the American Civil Liberties Union filed the complaint after alleging the department restricted attorney meetings and failed to provide language translation services for detainees.
- Under the agreement, staff must identify detainees' preferred language upon admission and use mobile interpreters for communication. Attorneys are granted biweekly access to prisons in South Burlington and St. Albans Town to meet with clients.
- General Counsel Lauri Fisher said the department is "modifying" policies to adapt to modern times, and she was "pleased we got sued" because it improved operations. The department does not admit wrongdoing under the settlement.
- In 2026, 193 immigration detainees have been booked at Vermont facilities, down from a 2023 high of 971. The Vermont Human Rights Commission and the department will meet monthly to review compliance with the new standards.
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Vermont prisons agree to improve services for ICE detainees after discrimination complaint – WTOP News
Facing the prospect of a discrimination lawsuit, the Vermont Department of Corrections has agreed to provide federal immigration detainees in its prisons with better access to language interpretation, legal counsel and court hearings. The Vermont Human Rights Commission announced Tuesday it had reached a settlement with the department, following a discrimination complaint the commission filed...
Associated Press News
Vermont prisons agree to improve services for ICE detainees after discrimination complaint
Facing the prospect of a discrimination lawsuit, the Vermont Department of Corrections has agreed to provide federal immigration detainees in its prisons with better access to language interpretation, legal counsel and court hearings.
Vermont DOC expands language services after discrimination allegations
A new settlement requires Vermont corrections officials to expand language services for detainees after advocates alleged non-English speakers struggled to access intake information, medical care and attorneys. The Department of Corrections did not admit wrongdoing.
Settlement Requires Vermont to Improve Services for Immigrant Detainees
The deal sets standards for allowing lawyers to visit and meet with detainees and expands the availability of translation devices. The post Settlement Requires Vermont to Improve Services for Immigrant Detainees appeared first on Seven Days. (Image: File: Luke Awtry)
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