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FEBRUARY 16, 2001

A group of Native American inmates have filed suit against New Mexico corrections officials, alleging violation of their First Amendment rights.

The inmates say they have been prevented from practicing their religion by several corrections officers and had some of their sacred objects confiscated. They are asking for $400 million in damages.

New Mexico prisons have come under fire for their treatment of Native Americans as well as other prisoners. The prisoners in question are housed in the Lea County Correctional Facility in Hobbs, which is a privately managed prison.

A riot broke out at the prison in April 1999 soon after one of their drums was confiscated, which prisoners say was also desecrated.

Get the Story:
Indian Inmates Suing Prisons (The Albuquerque Journal 2/16)

Related Stories:
Bring Native Prisoners Home: Abuse at a New Mexico Prison (Bennard Dallasvuyaoma. The Talking Circle 12/99)