Santa Ana to Settle Lawsuit Alleging Denial of Rights to Deaf Woman in ICE Detention
Updated: Aug 25, 2020
Rosario Maciel Avitia remained at Santa Ana Jail under Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention five months longer than she should have. Avitia, deaf since birth, communicates primarily by American Sign Language (ASL) and isn't fluent in English. According to a lawsuit filed on her behalf, when ICE agents arrested Avitia on May 29, 2015, jail staff failed to "effectively communicate" that she became eligible for bond just days later. As a result, ICE kept Avitia away from family until November, when they released her.
Read more on my latest OC Weekly Navel Gazing Blog post:
http://www.ocweekly.com/news/santa-ana-settling-with-deaf-immigrant-detained-by-ice-7967327