INVESTIGATION INTO THE EVENTS OF MAY 1, 2020 AT THE C. CARLOS CARREIRO IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTER, UNIT B, BRISTOL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
” The Bristol County Sheriff Office’s calculated use of force included the use of a variety of less-lethal but dangerous weapons— including a flash bang grenade, pepper-ball launchers, pepper spray canisters, anti-riot shields, and canines—against detainees who had exhibited calm and nonviolent behavior for at least an hour before this operation. The BCSO deployed these weapons both indiscriminately upon entry and also specifically against particular detainees who were not combative, assaultive, or otherwise actively resisting staff. Informing our conclusion that the BCSO’s use of force was excessive.”
“The BCSO violated the civil rights of the detainees …… by using excessive force against the ICE B detainees and by acting with deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of serious injury or harm to the detainees and their health.”
OFFICE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY GENERAL CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION DECEMBER 15, 2020
