Feds won’t deport immigrants in civil rights cases

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Federal immigration officials say they will not deport immigrants pursuing legitimate civil rights claims, a move hailed by advocates as a way to protect a vulnerable population while critics say it encourages abuses.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Friday that “absent special circumstances,” it is against the agency’s policy to deport immigrants in the midst of a legitimate effort to protect their civil rights. ICE officials said the memos were designed to provide guidance on exercising appropriate discretion.

A Yale University professor representing an immigrant in a civil rights case says the move came after he and other advocates urged such a policy. He says the policy could help hundreds and eventually thousands of immigrants.

A critic says it would encourage lawyers to file claims to stop deportations.