Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Report introduced.

(Atlanta, Georgia: Ed Rabel) Scenes shown of fire set by Cuban inmates of the federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia. Cuban prisoners seizing facility noted protesting President Reagan's agreement with Fidel Castro to send undesirables back to Cuba. [Prison spokesperson Mike CALTABIANO - says he has no idea how many hostages are being held.] Scenes shown of police surrounding prison and number injured cited. Inmates' relatives shown outside prison walls. [Inmate's wife Maria GARCIA - says she heard an inmate was killed and she is afraid it was her husband.] No. of inmates who would face deportation to Cuba cited. [Representative John LEWIS - says situation was a time bomb.] Swat team mentioned entering facility and shots heard. Attorney General Edwin Meese response to place moratorium on agreement reported; scenes shown. [MEESE - says moratorium would allow each individual case to be evaluated separately.] National Guard helicopters shown attempting to put out fires. Prison officials and FBI reported negotiating with inmates.

(Oakdale, LA: Kenley Jones) A few Cuban inmates shown leaving Fed. Detention Center in Oakdale, LA, for medical attention No. of Cuban prisoners and hostages given. Scenes shown of fires set protesting President Reagan's agreement with Fidel Castro to deport prisoners back to Cuba. Prisoners' demands announced. Warden's comments quoted regarding hostage situation. [Prison warden J.R. JOHNSON - discusses types of weapons the inmates possess.] Hostages' relatives shown tying yellow ribbons around trees as a sign of hope. [Hostage's wife Dotie BILLINGS - says she loves husband and wants him to be strong.] Attorney General Edwin Meese's moratorium reported well- received by hostages' families.

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Report introduced.

(DC: Carl Stern) Circumstances of moratorium announcement discussed. Moratorium of US-Cuba immigration agreement detailed.