Attorney General Reports Excessive Force by Bristol County Sheriff

A recent investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office has found that Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson and his staff violated the civil rights of immigrant detainees. The inquiry, which spanned several months, revealed that excessive force was used in response to a disturbance involving immigration detainees on May 1, 2023. The report issued by Attorney General Maura Healey outlines a series of troubling actions taken by the sheriff’s office, including the deployment of pepper spray, flash-bang grenades, and canines.

According to the report, the incident began when detainees expressed fear over being tested for COVID-19, leading to a confrontation with BCSO staff. Many detainees were reportedly not proficient in English, complicating their understanding of the situation. When Hodgson arrived on the scene, he threatened to remove individuals by force if necessary, escalating tensions. Witness accounts detail that the sheriff allegedly confronted detainee M.B. while he was on a phone call with his attorney, leading to chaotic scenes as detainees sought to intervene.

The report states that BCSO’s response was disproportionate. Initially, pepper spray was used, causing severe discomfort among detainees, some of whom believed toxic gas was being pumped into their unit’s ventilation system. In the ensuing mayhem, detainees reportedly engaged in destructive behavior, damaging property within the facility. Video footage captured by BCSO staff later showed detainees exhibiting signs of distress, including respiratory issues, as the situation deteriorated.

Call for Reform and Transfer of Detainees

In light of these findings, Attorney General Healey has called for the immediate transfer of all federal immigration detainees from the Bristol County facility to other locations. She also urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to terminate its contracts with BCSO as soon as possible, citing a “callous disregard for the well-being of immigration detainees.”

The report highlights that BCSO has failed to adhere to its own internal policies concerning the use of force and de-escalation strategies. Healey has recommended comprehensive reforms, including the development of new procedures to reduce conflicts, training in cultural sensitivity, and an external audit of the sheriff’s use of force policies.

In response to the report, the BCSO dismissed the findings as politically motivated, claiming that it was filled with “baseless allegations.” The sheriff’s office praised its staff for their actions during the incident and expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General.

Legal and Advocacy Responses

Advocacy groups have reacted strongly to the findings. Lawyers for Civil Rights have expressed support for the Attorney General’s conclusions, noting that the report aligns with earlier federal court rulings against the treatment of detainees under Hodgson’s administration. They have called for his resignation, arguing that continued leadership under Hodgson poses a risk to detainees.

The ACLU of Massachusetts has also been active, demanding transparency and accountability. The organization is currently pursuing legal action to obtain public records related to the incident, which the BCSO has withheld under the pretense of ongoing investigations.

Throughout the investigation, it was noted that many detainees reported unsanitary conditions and lack of access to legal counsel. The report states that all 25 detainees from Unit B were placed in administrative segregation after the incident, regardless of their level of involvement in the disturbance.

As the situation develops, the ramifications of the Attorney General’s findings could lead to significant changes in how immigration detainees are treated in Bristol County and potentially influence wider policies regarding immigration enforcement in Massachusetts.