Law students protest limited access to detained immigrants

MIAMI (AP):

University of Miami law students say they are being denied full access to immigrants held at the Glades County Detention Center.

The students say the Glades County Sheriff's Office that runs the centre cuts short client meetings and requires full-fledged attorneys to be present for students to meet privately with detainees. The students want immigration authorities to increase access and also to review general conditions at the centre.

Many immigrant detainees cannot afford attorneys and rely on law students to navigate the US immigration legal system. When it comes to meeting with detainees, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidelines permit students to serve as legal assistants.

Major Keith Henson of the sheriff's office says authorities are following federal regulations related to immigration courts.

ICE says it is reviewing the complaint.