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| Mexican Consulate reaches out to nationals behind bars |
| By The Salt Lake Tribune |
| Published: 11/24/2003 |
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In jails and prisons in four Western states, including Utah, the Mexican flag is reaching out to inmates. "Paisano, remember that even though you've been arrested, you are not alone," reads a red, white and green poster in Spanish and decorated with the Mexican flag. "You have rights. Call your consulate collect." The Consulate of Mexico in Salt Lake City has started decorating detention centers in Utah, Idaho, western Wyoming and Montana with more than 700 such posters. The agency hopes to reach Mexican nationals behind bars whose only legal help may come from the consulate, said Consul of Protection Arturo Chavarr'a. The agency established the Utah number, which began operating earlier this month. Though they've always been at the disposal of Mexican nationals; this is a more direct effort to connect with fellow citizens, no matter where they may be, said Adolfo Barragan of the agency's protection department. Some call to ask for legal representation, others call with questions about the American legal system, and some call to see if they can be transferred from an American jail or prison to a Mexican facility, Barragan said. "[In Mexico], they have more advantages, like being near family, having longer visiting hours and conjugal visits," he said. Though the request to transfer from the United States to Mexico is rarely granted -- just 200 inmates nationwide received approval last year -- the consulate can aid in different ways, Barragan said. It can help inmates in small Western towns find adequate legal representation and also keep their families informed of their situation. So far, most jails and prisons have welcomed the service, paid for entirely by the Mexican government. |
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