Separation of immigrant families on the border taking the international spotlight
Across the U.S. protests are taking place, as those who are against the separation of families are speaking out. Friday, the Department of Homeland Security said that nearly 2,000 children had been separated from their families.
Here in the borderland, thousands of marchers turned out to the Marcelino Port of Entry in Tornillo, along with Reps.Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) and Joe Kennedy (D-Mass).
Kennedy addressed the crowd, saying that this is a divisive issue prompting Republicans to break ranks with the current White House administration.
“I was speaking a moment ago with someone who is a 27-year-old Republican, and proud Republican, who’s not going to stand for this. This is an issue, as I’ve seen, we’ve all seen covered in the press in the of past couple of days.” Kennedy said. “There are many conservative voices speaking out and speaking out saying this is just pure inhumanity on behalf of Donald Trump administration to try to take out their frustration on children.”
The Department of Homeland Security officials are standing their ground saying people who enter the U.S. illegally should face the same consequences as U.S. citizens who commit crimes. Friday in a new conference, the DHS said, “Advocates want us to ignore the law and to give families a free pass. Everyday in America, if you commit a crime, you will be separated from your family as you are prosecuted.”
Over in Tornillo, at the Marcelino Port of Entry, ABC-7 saw dozens of children who have already been taken to the housing facility. The facility was erected as other facilities reach capacity, due to the Trump administration’s “Zero Tolerance” policy. ABC-7 saw what looked like a “tent city” with children playing soccer outside. Customs and Border Protection is not telling ABC-7 how many children are currently being housed at the facility, however officials said the facility has the capacity for 360 children.
The children are under the care of Health and Human Services, and receive services like health care, mental health care, and educational service. Officials said the average stay for children in the facilities is 50 days, sometimes longer, while their parents are either prosecuted or the asylum claim is reviewed.
Sunday night on ABC-7 Xtra, Saul Saenz looks into the issue with guests Ed Shugert who’s a volunteer and former journalist, and Ruben Garcia with the annunciation house.
ABC-7 Xtra airs at 10:35 p.m. right after ABC-7 at 10. If you want to call in and join the conversation, call 915-496-1771 during the show.
