VANCOUVER - B.C.'s Attorney General Andrew Petter has ordered an investigation into Monday's riot by Chinese migrants at the Alouette River Correctional facility. Forty-nine migrants went on a rampage at the jail. They broke windows, smashed toilets and started a small fire.

'The futility of incarcerating people indefinitely for a rather minor crime'

An advocate for the migrants says the outbreak of violence was the result of abuse by two prison officials. Victor Wong also says they're frustrated by the fact they're still locked up, almost a year after they arrived off the coast of

The riot is just one of several incidents, including suicide attempts and escapes.

This all comes as no surprise Dr. Don De Voretz, who's an expert on immigration issues. "It shows the futility of incarcerating people indefinitely for a rather minor crime," he says.

Dr. De Voretz says the real problem is the Chinese government, which has no incentive to help speed up the process. He says the federal government should pressure Beijing to accept the migrants back.

The 49 prisoners have now been transferred to two separate maximum security provincial jails.