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| ICE Agent Sentenced for Rape of Detainee | July 10, 2008 |
| Cheryl Little | |
| Federal Investigation Prompted by Victim’s Immigration Attorney Miami, July 10, 2008 – Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer Wilfredo Vazquez, 35, of Tamarac, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison as a result of his guilty plea to two counts of sexual assault on a Jamaican woman in his custody. In a letter to the judge, the victim, M.C. (name withheld to protect the victim’s privacy), expressed her gratitude that part of the nightmare that ensued from the attack had been relieved by the sentencing. “I am grateful for my attorneys at FIAC who brought my case to the U.S. Attorney,” said M.C. “Without them, Wilfredo Vazquez would still be free to abuse other women who might be put under his control by ICE.” In passing the sentence, Judge William Dimitrouleas stated that he took into account Vazquez’s military service, including a year in Iraq. He added, however, that the horrific nature of the crime, and the message it sends to other Immigration detainees about the system of justice Vazquez had sworn to uphold, also guided his decision. The Judge also noted that the evidence against Vazquez was overwhelming and, if the case had gone to trial, he would most likely have received a much harsher sentence. A pre-sentencing report recommended a sentence of up to 14 years. “We’re pleased with the court’s decision,” said Cheryl Little, one of M.C.’s attorneys and Executive Director of Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. “But we are especially grateful that, in seeing justice done, our client was spared the insult and trauma of a trial where she would have been forced to relive the most horrendous experience of her life. “Equally important to M.C. is the hope that ICE will finally take steps to prevent this type of abuse from ever happening again,” Little continued. “Given the history, male officers should never have sole custody of a female detainee – especially in an uncontrolled environment like transport between facilities.” Little’s extensive experience and knowledge of the treatment of detainees in ICE custody has been called upon in testimony before the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission. She has subsequently been keenly involved with the Commission in drafting recommended standards to prevent and respond to sexual assault in immigration detention facilities. Among the standards being developed: o Enhanced protection must be provided for detainees particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse. o Detention staff training must be specialized, sensitive to the nature of the abuse, and culturally appropriate to the population. o Detainees must be appropriately notified of the agency’s zero-tolerance policy on abuse. o Detainees must be informed of how to access legal advocacy services. o Victims must not be transferred from the facility or deported until the investigation is complete, unless at the victim’s request. o ICE must establish objective criteria for releasing a victim or witness when it is in the best interest of their safety. o ICE must collect and retain appropriate data on the crime when the victim is a detainee in custody. About Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) is one of the nation’s largest non-profit agencies providing immigration legal services. FIAC is dedicated to protecting and promoting the basic rights of immigrants of all nationalities. Since its founding in 1996, FIAC’s multilingual and multicultural staff has closed more than 60,000 cases. FIAC has influenced national policies; successfully litigated or otherwise challenged patterns of abuse; and taken a leading role in educating the public about the impact that immigration laws and directives have on our communities. FIAC is nationally recognized as a powerful advocate for immigrants’ rights. **** | |