João Ribeiro, head of the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders, came forward to deny that there is "hunting" of clandestine immigrants in Portugal. The accusations of persecution of immigrants had come from human rights defense organizations.
The police official states that the police do not practice any type of pursuit of undocumented immigrants. The police work is based on an "intelligent approach" in locations considered risky.
This statement comes in response to criticism from non-governmental organizations that have been denouncing what they consider to be discriminatory treatment by Portuguese authorities towards immigrants.
