Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal

« Murder suspects refuse to waive extradition | Today | Reed on Iraq: 'We have to follow through' / Photo »

September 8, 2006

Trooper cleared in questionable van stop

The state police this afternoon cleared a trooper of any wrongdoing related to a July traffic stop that resulted in detention of 14 suspected illegal immigrants.

The ACLU asked for an investigation after the driver of a van and several passengers alleged last month that Trooper Thomas Chabot overstepped his authority by taking immigration enforcement into his own hands.

But at a news conference today inside state police headquarters, Supt. Steven M. Pare said that Chabot did nothing wrong.

The head of the ACLU's Rhode Island affiliate was concerned with today's announcement and said the issue bears further action, including potential litigation, though he couldn't say for sure without consulting the people affected.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner

The traffic stop occurred at 6:30 a.m. near Exit 4 south, where Chabot was posted at a speed checkpoint. Chabot's report states that he pulled the van's driver over for failing to signal a lane change.

After the driver provided a license and ID, Chabot asked the passengers for identification, his report states. When only a few could do so, he then "asked if any of them had immigration credentials proving their U.S. citizenship."

None did. Chabot then escorted the group to the Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement office in Providence.

The 14 people detained are facing deportation.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:32 PM | Permalink

September 8, 2006

Trooper cleared in questionable van stop

Comments

Post a comment