Canada Border Services Agency: Independent Oversight

independent oversight: Information about this tragic death was made public only after a news agency broke the story last week. There has been no public explanation from the for what happened, whether anything could have been done to prevent the death, and what steps are being taken to determine whether there was any failing on the part of officials who were responsible for her care while she was in custody. This tragic case underlines the fact that there is absolutely no independent oversight of to which the family can seek recourse, according to The Star. Yet despite the broad police powers given to there is no independent oversight of the activities of its officers. There is no formal complaint process. There is no procedure whereby a person aggrieved as a result of the conduct of officers can seek an independent review. There is no independent civilian investigation of potential wrongdoing or negligence when someone is injured or, as in this sad case, dies while in custody. In a society bound by the rule of law, it is deeply disturbing that officials with such wide-ranging powers are not subject to any independent oversight and Human rights organizations concerned about refugees were shocked to learn of the death of Lucia Vega Jimenez , a Mexican woman held in custody by the Canada Border Services Agency at the Vancouver International Airport in December. Border services officers are given extraordinary powers they are police who can arrest foreign nationals without a warrant and can order their detention. Once people are detained by they become the agencys responsibility. Moreover, because they have not been charged with an offence in most cases, the detention facilities must reflect the fact that the purpose of detention is to ensure compliance with the immigration legislation not to punish. Once detained, has a duty to ensure the health and safety of its detainees. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.