WASHINGTON, D.C. –(ENEWSPF)–July 27, 2015. U.S. Representatives Luis V. Gutiérrez (D- Ill.), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.), and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) today issued the following statement after U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee ruled late last week that the detention of immigrant women and children violated the terms of the Flores Settlement:
“Friday’s ruling confirms that the U.S. Government is wrong to hold vulnerable women and children – regardless of their immigration status – in secure, jail-like facilities. Furthermore, Judge Gee rejected the Administration’s defense that family detention is necessary to deter future migration. We wholeheartedly agree with – and applaud – this decision.
“During our recent visit to the Karnes and Dilley detention facilities in Texas, we spoke to incarcerated mothers and children who told us they endured insufficient medical care, spoiled food, and abusive treatment while in detention. We also spoke to child welfare experts who testified to the serious developmental damage that can occur when children are held in such deplorable settings – even for as little as a few weeks.
“The Department of Homeland Security should comply with the Court’s ruling by promptly releasing the families currently in custody and beginning the process of shutting down the family detention centers. It is time for the Administration to finally put an end to this appalling and shameful practice of detaining mothers and children.”
Source: www.gutierrez.house.gov
