Kind of a big deal:
A federal judge has ruled in favor of a Nashville mother who triggered a national outcry after she was shackled during labor and after giving birth while in custody of the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S District Court Judge William Haynes Jr. will set a hearing for damages against Metro government and the sheriff’s office in the Juana Villegas case, which grew out of a July 3, 2008, traffic stop in Berry Hill.
Nine months pregnant, Villegas was arrested and charged with careless driving and driving without vehicle insurance. She didn’t have a driver’s license.
This judgment once again raises questions about basic human rights, treatment of detainees, and the controversial 287(g) program that involves collaboration between federal and local law enforcement.
A 2008 New York Times article brought the story to national prominence, after Juana Villegas was denied visitation with her husband, denied basic medical care (including lactation support), and separated from her infant son for two days.
The program highlights the competing demands of those who oppose illegal immigration and those who believe that certain universal human rights transcend national laws.
The Arizona Republic has also picked up on the court's decision today, which once again raises concerns about the controversial state law and the actions of Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Although the court has made plans for a hearing to set damages for Villegas, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals is still denying a request to end her deportation to Mexico.
The 287(g) program has received the support of progressive Nashville Mayor (and former public defender) Karl Dean and Sheriff Daron Hall, despite continued pressure from groups (including the Catholic Church) who are supportive of immigrant and refugee rights. These pro-immigrant groups argue that 287(g) targets innocent immigrant families and allows more sophisticated criminals to go free.
Dean is up for re-election in 2011 and is the clear front-runner, facing opposition from conservative councilman Michael Craddock but little serious opposition from the left.