Justice Dept. opens civil rights unit in Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Justice Department is establishing a civil rights unit in Alabama after the state's crackdown on illegal immigration raised broader concerns about compliance with federal laws.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Perez said Tuesday fewer than 10 such units are located around the country. The nearest is in Memphis, Tenn.
Perez said the move is meant to ensure that the federal government has a continuing eye on civil rights issues in Alabama, which was a hotbed of unrest during the civil rights movement 50 years ago
The U.S. Attorney for north Alabama, Joyce Vance, says concerns and public meetings after the state passed a strict anti-illegal immigration law last year showed the need for the unit. It has a core of five lawyers in Birmingham and Huntsville.
© 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Perez said Tuesday fewer than 10 such units are located around the country. The nearest is in Memphis, Tenn.
Perez said the move is meant to ensure that the federal government has a continuing eye on civil rights issues in Alabama, which was a hotbed of unrest during the civil rights movement 50 years ago
The U.S. Attorney for north Alabama, Joyce Vance, says concerns and public meetings after the state passed a strict anti-illegal immigration law last year showed the need for the unit. It has a core of five lawyers in Birmingham and Huntsville.
Popular on CBSNews.com
- No fatalities in I-5 bridge collapse in NW Wash. 118 Comments
- Young victims of deadly Okla. tornado 10 Photos
- Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys 441 Comments
- Clean-up efforts underway in Okla. 29 Photos
- Washington state bridge collapses 8 Photos
- Kids, teachers from destroyed Okla. school reunite
- Kansas reporters run for tornado shelter during newscast
- No deaths as bridge collapse sends vehicles into river
