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US 'may split families that cross border' | US 'may split families that cross border' |
(35 minutes later) | |
The US is thinking about separating children from their parents if caught illegally crossing the Mexico border. | The US is thinking about separating children from their parents if caught illegally crossing the Mexico border. |
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told CNN the move would be an attempt at stopping families from making the perilous journey from Central America. | Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told CNN the move would be an attempt at stopping families from making the perilous journey from Central America. |
Tens of thousands of parents and children, many who are fleeing violence in Honduras and El Salvador, have been detained coming across the border. | Tens of thousands of parents and children, many who are fleeing violence in Honduras and El Salvador, have been detained coming across the border. |
It can take years for their fate to be decided by the courts. | It can take years for their fate to be decided by the courts. |
Media reports on Friday suggested the new policy would mean parents being kept in custody while they go through the legal or deportation process. | |
But their children would be looked after by the Department of Health and Human Services until they can be taken into the care of an American relative or a state-vetted guardian. | |
When asked about these media reports on Monday, Mr Kelly said: "Yes, I am considering - in order to deter more movement along this terribly dangerous network - I am considering exactly that. | |
"They will be well cared for as we deal with their parents." | |
He would do "almost anything" to deter people from Central America getting on this "very, very dangerous network" and going through Mexico, he said. |