(AP) — Immigrant advocates in Southern California are suing to demand the federal government consider immigration detainees' ability to pay when setting immigration bond.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California filed suit in Los Angeles Wednesday contending at least 100 immigrants are jailed in the region daily even though they were granted bond.
The ACLU says the Justice Department has encouraged criminal courts to consider defendants' ability to pay when setting bond, and wants the agency to do the same in immigration courts to avoid jailing people because they are poor.
They also want authorities to consider other kinds of bond or detention alternatives, noting immigration bonds must be paid in cash.
A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman declined to comment. A message was left with the Justice Department.
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