Jail facing fourth suit on immigration issue

By Tracy M. Neal Staff Writer

BENTONVILLE - A Rogers attorney filed the fourth lawsuit concerning whether the Benton County Jail can incarcerate someone on an immigration hold without showing any authority for the hold.
Ken Swindle filed the suit Wednesday against the Benton County Sheriff's Office in U. S. District Court in Fayetteville on behalf of Maria Vasquez-Laso.
The suit claims Vasquez-Laso was arrested Tuesday on unknown charges. Swindle claims he asked about her arrest and was first told there were no immigration issues and his client was only being held on state charges.
Swindle went to the jail Wednesday and requested any documents related to his client's incarceration. Swindle claims jail officials would not release any documentation.
Swindle claims jail officials are mistaken in their belief that they can hold individuals on immigration holds with no obligation to show their authority to do so.
Swindle claims Vasquez-Laso is being held in the county jail in violation of the U. S. Constitution.
The suit requests that the court order Vasquez-Laso's immediate release.
Swindle has filed three other similar suits. Those suits have been dismissed. Neither Swindle nor jail officials could be reached for comment.