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Trump policy of detaining children 'may amount to torture', UN says – live Trump policy of detaining children 'may amount to torture', UN says – live
(35 minutes later)
US lawmakers visited holding facilities for immigrant children across the country on Friday – but they have been unable to speak with detained youth.
Three Democratic senators went to a holding facility on the Texas border near El Paso that appears to be occupied by roughly 250 teenage boys, mostly from Central America, according to the AP. A contractor that operates the shelter reportedly briefed senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, but would not let them enter holding areas or speak with detained minors.
Republican senator Marco Rubio also visited a Miami-area facility housing more than 1,000 teenage migrants. He told the AP he didn’t speak to any of the children due to privacy regulations. Earlier in the day, he tweeted support of first lady Melania Trump, who has faced widespread scrutiny for her decision to wear a jacket that said, “I really don’t care. Do U?”
I know for a FACT that @FLOTUS has been a strong voice of compassion for migrant children. The vicious treatment of her over the last day is a reminder of how Trump Derangement Syndrome,where hatred for him justifies everything,has become an epidemic. Totally lunacy everywhere!!!
Meanwhile in California, some lawmakers are raising objections to the news that the US Navy is proposing to construct detention centers in the state, including a camp for as many as 47,000 people at a former naval weapons station near San Francisco.
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier said in a statement:
STOP! The Administration needs to take a time out ... If the Administration wants to have a rational dialogue about fixing our immigration system, I am happy to do that, but making up immigration policy on the fly is just wrong. We will fight this in every way we can.
"The thought that this immoral policy would actually come to Concord California … We’ll do everything in our power to stop it," says @RepDeSaulnier of a proposed facility for nearly 50,000 immigrants in Concord, Calif. #immigration #ImmigrantChildren
Reporter Patrick Timmons has an update on the chaos and confusion at a courthouse in El Paso:Reporter Patrick Timmons has an update on the chaos and confusion at a courthouse in El Paso:
Confusion reigns at the federal courthouse in El Paso about pending and future prosecutions of parents apprehended at the border and separated from their children.Confusion reigns at the federal courthouse in El Paso about pending and future prosecutions of parents apprehended at the border and separated from their children.
On Thursday, John Bash, the top US prosecutor for the western district of Texas, told the federal public defender in El Paso he would dismiss pending cases against parents who unlawfully crossed the border. The federal public defender’s office said it had received 28 dismissals of pending cases and expected hundreds more.On Thursday, John Bash, the top US prosecutor for the western district of Texas, told the federal public defender in El Paso he would dismiss pending cases against parents who unlawfully crossed the border. The federal public defender’s office said it had received 28 dismissals of pending cases and expected hundreds more.
Maureen Franco, the chief federal public defender, said Thursday that prosecutors dismissed cases because of the lack of available housing units for parents with children. But later in the day, Franco said she heard “dismissals were on hold as prosecutors continue to evaluate the situation”.Today, Bash appeared to backtrack on the policy of dismissing prosecutions. When court resumed, so did the prosecutions.Maureen Franco, the chief federal public defender, said Thursday that prosecutors dismissed cases because of the lack of available housing units for parents with children. But later in the day, Franco said she heard “dismissals were on hold as prosecutors continue to evaluate the situation”.Today, Bash appeared to backtrack on the policy of dismissing prosecutions. When court resumed, so did the prosecutions.
Over the past year, the federal court in El Paso has sentenced hundreds of parents for illegal entry. The prosecutions have placed a strain on the court and local detention centers. The government announced last week it would start to house unaccompanied children in tents at the border patrol facility in Tornillo, 40 miles from El Paso.Over the past year, the federal court in El Paso has sentenced hundreds of parents for illegal entry. The prosecutions have placed a strain on the court and local detention centers. The government announced last week it would start to house unaccompanied children in tents at the border patrol facility in Tornillo, 40 miles from El Paso.
Franco said in an email she was “hoping for the best but expecting the worst”.Franco said in an email she was “hoping for the best but expecting the worst”.
On Anderson Cooper 360 last night, the host delivered a speedy recap of the Trump administration’s changing positions on family separation and who had the power to bring it to an end.On Anderson Cooper 360 last night, the host delivered a speedy recap of the Trump administration’s changing positions on family separation and who had the power to bring it to an end.
He ended the four-minute segment by asking: “Is your head spinning yet?”He ended the four-minute segment by asking: “Is your head spinning yet?”
CNN’s @AndersonCooper: “Is your head spinning yet?”Anderson unpacks the confusion surrounding President Trump's executive order that would end family separations at the US-Mexico border #KeepingThemHonest https://t.co/2dfzvnk5yA pic.twitter.com/WNFbReep1ECNN’s @AndersonCooper: “Is your head spinning yet?”Anderson unpacks the confusion surrounding President Trump's executive order that would end family separations at the US-Mexico border #KeepingThemHonest https://t.co/2dfzvnk5yA pic.twitter.com/WNFbReep1E
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a notice saying it may seek up to 15,000 beds to detain immigrant families, according to the AP:Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a notice saying it may seek up to 15,000 beds to detain immigrant families, according to the AP:
The agency on Friday put out a request for information to help in planning for potential new family detention facilities ... The agency currently has about 3,300 beds for immigrant parents and their children in family detention facilities.The agency on Friday put out a request for information to help in planning for potential new family detention facilities ... The agency currently has about 3,300 beds for immigrant parents and their children in family detention facilities.
The notice comes amid a scramble by federal agencies to find space for immigrants.The notice comes amid a scramble by federal agencies to find space for immigrants.
Time also reported today that the US Navy is preparing plans to build detention centers for tens of thousands of immigrants on remote bases in California, Alabama and Arizona. Documents obtained by the magazine said two sites in California could house up to 47,000 immigrants each:Time also reported today that the US Navy is preparing plans to build detention centers for tens of thousands of immigrants on remote bases in California, Alabama and Arizona. Documents obtained by the magazine said two sites in California could house up to 47,000 immigrants each:
SCOOP: Navy planning doc obtained by TIME says two sites in California could house up to 47,000 immigrants each, two sites in Alabama could host 25,000 https://t.co/XdiH9WDlXx w @wjhennSCOOP: Navy planning doc obtained by TIME says two sites in California could house up to 47,000 immigrants each, two sites in Alabama could host 25,000 https://t.co/XdiH9WDlXx w @wjhenn
Border Patrol officials said the crying Honduran girl featured on the cover of Time magazine was not separated from her parents, and that the mother and daughter have been detained together in Texas while the case is pending.Border Patrol officials said the crying Honduran girl featured on the cover of Time magazine was not separated from her parents, and that the mother and daughter have been detained together in Texas while the case is pending.
The father of the girl also told the Associated Press that the Honduran foreign ministry said his daughter was detained with her mother. More on the backstory of the viral image from the AP:The father of the girl also told the Associated Press that the Honduran foreign ministry said his daughter was detained with her mother. More on the backstory of the viral image from the AP:
Denis Varela says he hasn’t heard from his wife or daughter in almost three weeks. The girl’s mother apparently took their daughter to the United States without telling him.Denis Varela says he hasn’t heard from his wife or daughter in almost three weeks. The girl’s mother apparently took their daughter to the United States without telling him.
Varela, a dockworker who lives in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, said that the ministry had given him the girl’s detainee identification number. He was told his daughter was in McAllen with her mother, but nothing else.Varela, a dockworker who lives in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, said that the ministry had given him the girl’s detainee identification number. He was told his daughter was in McAllen with her mother, but nothing else.
The girl’s photo was apparently taken when she and her mother were first detained by Border Patrol officers and the mother was being searched.The girl’s photo was apparently taken when she and her mother were first detained by Border Patrol officers and the mother was being searched.
TIME’s new cover: A reckoning after Trump's border separation policy: What kind of country are we? https://t.co/U4Uf8bffoR pic.twitter.com/sBCMdHuPGcTIME’s new cover: A reckoning after Trump's border separation policy: What kind of country are we? https://t.co/U4Uf8bffoR pic.twitter.com/sBCMdHuPGc
Some conservatives have cited the use of the photo as a symbol of the family separation crisis as evidence of media bias and “fake news”. The Washington Post also called it a “major mistake” for Time to put her on the cover.Some conservatives have cited the use of the photo as a symbol of the family separation crisis as evidence of media bias and “fake news”. The Washington Post also called it a “major mistake” for Time to put her on the cover.
Time’s editor, however, has defended the cover, saying in a statement:Time’s editor, however, has defended the cover, saying in a statement:
The June 12 photograph of the 2-year-old Honduran girl became the most visible symbol of the ongoing immigration debate in America for a reason. Under the policy enforced by the administration, prior to its reversal this week, those who crossed the border illegally were criminally prosecuted, which in turn resulted in the separation of children and parents. Our cover and our reporting capture the stakes of this moment.The June 12 photograph of the 2-year-old Honduran girl became the most visible symbol of the ongoing immigration debate in America for a reason. Under the policy enforced by the administration, prior to its reversal this week, those who crossed the border illegally were criminally prosecuted, which in turn resulted in the separation of children and parents. Our cover and our reporting capture the stakes of this moment.
The Guardian spoke to the photographer behind the image earlier this week:The Guardian spoke to the photographer behind the image earlier this week:
Another dispatch from reporter Nina Lakhani in Tijuana:Another dispatch from reporter Nina Lakhani in Tijuana:
Despite the large numbers of people from Central America waiting at the US border in Tijuana, Mexico, the scene is remarkably ordered and cooperative.Despite the large numbers of people from Central America waiting at the US border in Tijuana, Mexico, the scene is remarkably ordered and cooperative.
The people are initially strangers to each other, brought together in an alien location.The people are initially strangers to each other, brought together in an alien location.
It’s not risk-free at the shelters and while lining up at the border, but the atmosphere is largely one of stoicism and mutual assistance. As well as an informal numbered ticketing system for the queue, devised by migrants themselves, those waiting put themselves forward as volunteers to manage the list of names seeking asylum. On Friday morning, a Honduran man was looking after the list and he was ready to hand over to someone else when his turn came to get ready to cross the border.It’s not risk-free at the shelters and while lining up at the border, but the atmosphere is largely one of stoicism and mutual assistance. As well as an informal numbered ticketing system for the queue, devised by migrants themselves, those waiting put themselves forward as volunteers to manage the list of names seeking asylum. On Friday morning, a Honduran man was looking after the list and he was ready to hand over to someone else when his turn came to get ready to cross the border.
So, far from a Lord of the Flies-type breakdown in social order, as you might expect if you only listened to Donald Trump’s name-calling and aspersion-casting, these would-be immigrants are more inclined to help one another as they wait and hope to escape from dire straits.So, far from a Lord of the Flies-type breakdown in social order, as you might expect if you only listened to Donald Trump’s name-calling and aspersion-casting, these would-be immigrants are more inclined to help one another as they wait and hope to escape from dire straits.
More from Tijuana:More from Tijuana:
More from Guardian reporter Rory Carroll, who is speaking to locals in Texas about Trump’s latest immigration announcements:More from Guardian reporter Rory Carroll, who is speaking to locals in Texas about Trump’s latest immigration announcements:
Donald Trump often expresses love for combat veterans but his plan to house migrant children on military bases is irking some of them.Donald Trump often expresses love for combat veterans but his plan to house migrant children on military bases is irking some of them.
“Oh Jesus no,” said Troy Gill, 51, a former marine who served in Iraq and Somalia. “They’ve not earned the right. They should not be there.”“Oh Jesus no,” said Troy Gill, 51, a former marine who served in Iraq and Somalia. “They’ve not earned the right. They should not be there.”
Sick and disabled veterans in desperate need of housing were not able to live on bases so it would be an insult to host undocumented migrants there, he said.Sick and disabled veterans in desperate need of housing were not able to live on bases so it would be an insult to host undocumented migrants there, he said.
His buddy Joshua Woods, a 46-year-old army vet, agreed. “Illegal aliens should not be on our bases, no way.” It would affront military dignity and pose a potential security threat, he said.His buddy Joshua Woods, a 46-year-old army vet, agreed. “Illegal aliens should not be on our bases, no way.” It would affront military dignity and pose a potential security threat, he said.
The two were in El Paso, Texas, on Friday for a Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association gathering but spoke in a personal capacity.The two were in El Paso, Texas, on Friday for a Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association gathering but spoke in a personal capacity.
The Pentagon on Thursday said it was preparing to house up to 20,000 “unaccompanied alien children” at four bases in Texas and Arkansas. It was unclear if parents would join the children.The Pentagon on Thursday said it was preparing to house up to 20,000 “unaccompanied alien children” at four bases in Texas and Arkansas. It was unclear if parents would join the children.
Leno Martinez, 70, who served in Vietnam as a marine medic, was not thrilled at the idea. “But we’re the military, we can’t say no, we just follow orders.”Leno Martinez, 70, who served in Vietnam as a marine medic, was not thrilled at the idea. “But we’re the military, we can’t say no, we just follow orders.”
Hector Cornier, 36, ex-army, said migrant families should be kept together – and shipped swiftly back to their home countries or Mexico. “If you don’t have space just send them back in a truck. At the end of the day you’re just going to send them back anyway.”Hector Cornier, 36, ex-army, said migrant families should be kept together – and shipped swiftly back to their home countries or Mexico. “If you don’t have space just send them back in a truck. At the end of the day you’re just going to send them back anyway.”
Trump has ended his speech talking about the work of his administration to assist victims of immigration and to track immigrants who have committed crimes:Trump has ended his speech talking about the work of his administration to assist victims of immigration and to track immigrants who have committed crimes:
We’re following these people. We’re following them, so that it can’t happen again ... Our first duty and our highest loyalty is to the citizens of the United States ... We don’t want people in our country who don’t go through a process.We’re following these people. We’re following them, so that it can’t happen again ... Our first duty and our highest loyalty is to the citizens of the United States ... We don’t want people in our country who don’t go through a process.
Trump also lamented that countries are sending “bad ones” to the US, saying, “Then when they commit their crimes, we’re so surprised. We will not rest.”Trump also lamented that countries are sending “bad ones” to the US, saying, “Then when they commit their crimes, we’re so surprised. We will not rest.”
The president’s rhetoric and media events have continued to focus on violent crime, but his administration has widely targeted immigrants with no criminal record and no history of violence:The president’s rhetoric and media events have continued to focus on violent crime, but his administration has widely targeted immigrants with no criminal record and no history of violence:
Under Trump, the government no longer prioritizes deporting gang members and dangerous criminals, which means many of the parents recently separated from children under the president’s “zero tolerance” policy have been accused only of misdemeanor illegal entry.Under Trump, the government no longer prioritizes deporting gang members and dangerous criminals, which means many of the parents recently separated from children under the president’s “zero tolerance” policy have been accused only of misdemeanor illegal entry.
Another dispatch from Guardian reporter Oliver Laughland who is now reporting from the Ursula detention centre, a few miles from McAllen, Texas:Another dispatch from Guardian reporter Oliver Laughland who is now reporting from the Ursula detention centre, a few miles from McAllen, Texas:
Ursula is a large, warehouse-like facility about four miles from the border where migrants are detained for processing before they are sent to other detention facilities in the area. It is nicknamed the “dog kennel” due to the chain link cages used to detain migrants.Ursula is a large, warehouse-like facility about four miles from the border where migrants are detained for processing before they are sent to other detention facilities in the area. It is nicknamed the “dog kennel” due to the chain link cages used to detain migrants.
Many of the unaccompanied minors separated from their parents have been housed here before being sent off to other facilities in the area.Many of the unaccompanied minors separated from their parents have been housed here before being sent off to other facilities in the area.
The Rio Grande valley has seen substantial flooding over the past few days and the roadway outside the detention facility is still heavily waterlogged meaning I can’t even cross the road to the doorway.The Rio Grande valley has seen substantial flooding over the past few days and the roadway outside the detention facility is still heavily waterlogged meaning I can’t even cross the road to the doorway.
I’ve lodged multiple requests this week (including one this morning) to see inside the facility, but all of them have been denied.I’ve lodged multiple requests this week (including one this morning) to see inside the facility, but all of them have been denied.
So instead, I’ve been waiting outside to see what activity I can spot. About five white vans have left the facility, one of which appeared to be carrying a group of migrants in the back. It was unclear where they were heading and the two Border Patrol agents position outside refused to answer my questions.So instead, I’ve been waiting outside to see what activity I can spot. About five white vans have left the facility, one of which appeared to be carrying a group of migrants in the back. It was unclear where they were heading and the two Border Patrol agents position outside refused to answer my questions.
It’s quite an eerie place. The facility is surrounded by truck depots carrying cargo to and from the US border with Mexico, and its confronting to know that what enters and leaves this facility is not cargo but human beings.It’s quite an eerie place. The facility is surrounded by truck depots carrying cargo to and from the US border with Mexico, and its confronting to know that what enters and leaves this facility is not cargo but human beings.
Outside the Ursula processing centre where I’ve counted 5 white vans exiting the facility. At least one carrying migrants in the back. The roadway outside is still flooded. Cc @SamTLevin pic.twitter.com/qMMUBaC7NAOutside the Ursula processing centre where I’ve counted 5 white vans exiting the facility. At least one carrying migrants in the back. The roadway outside is still flooded. Cc @SamTLevin pic.twitter.com/qMMUBaC7NA
Trump and his supporters are now promoting the group Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime at a press conference now. They are attacking the media and sharing their stories of loved ones killed by immigrants. Said one woman:Trump and his supporters are now promoting the group Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime at a press conference now. They are attacking the media and sharing their stories of loved ones killed by immigrants. Said one woman:
The mainstream media does not let you know what’s happening. If anyone has been a victim of illegal alien crime, contact us. ... We are trying to get people the help they need.”The mainstream media does not let you know what’s happening. If anyone has been a victim of illegal alien crime, contact us. ... We are trying to get people the help they need.”
The president has made this issue a cornerstone of his immigration policies and his campaigns. In 2017, he announced that the US would be posting a weekly list of crimes committed by immigrants.The president has made this issue a cornerstone of his immigration policies and his campaigns. In 2017, he announced that the US would be posting a weekly list of crimes committed by immigrants.
A Trump database aimed to track migrants who have committed crimes also stirred controversy last year when immigrant rights’ attorneys alleged that the government website exposed the personal information of crime victims, putting them at risk of further violence and violating federal laws designed to conceal the identities of abuse survivors.A Trump database aimed to track migrants who have committed crimes also stirred controversy last year when immigrant rights’ attorneys alleged that the government website exposed the personal information of crime victims, putting them at risk of further violence and violating federal laws designed to conceal the identities of abuse survivors.
The press conference speakers today have also attacked sanctuary cities and policies.The press conference speakers today have also attacked sanctuary cities and policies.
Trump is now speaking live about the “human toll of illegal immigration”, repeating his campaign messages linking undocumented immigration to crime. He is with “angel families” – people whose loved ones were killed by undocumented immigrants:Trump is now speaking live about the “human toll of illegal immigration”, repeating his campaign messages linking undocumented immigration to crime. He is with “angel families” – people whose loved ones were killed by undocumented immigrants:
You’re loss will not have been in vein ... We’re going to have a safe country, and you’re loved ones are going to be playing and continuing to play a big part in that.”You’re loss will not have been in vein ... We’re going to have a safe country, and you’re loved ones are going to be playing and continuing to play a big part in that.”
Trump said the immigration laws are the “weakest in the world, weakest in the history of the world”, adding, “Where is the media outrage over the catch and release policies that allow deadly drugs to pour into our county?”Trump said the immigration laws are the “weakest in the world, weakest in the history of the world”, adding, “Where is the media outrage over the catch and release policies that allow deadly drugs to pour into our county?”
Some of the families are also speaking about their “permanent separation” from their loved ones.Some of the families are also speaking about their “permanent separation” from their loved ones.
Studies have repeatedly contradicted the president’s claims about the correlation between immigration and crime. Undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit serious crimes than US-born people, according to some studies. Research has also found that cities with sanctuary policies have lower crime rates than comparable municipalities.Studies have repeatedly contradicted the president’s claims about the correlation between immigration and crime. Undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit serious crimes than US-born people, according to some studies. Research has also found that cities with sanctuary policies have lower crime rates than comparable municipalities.
WH releases names of 14 people joining Trump at White House "Angel Families" event. Appears that 6 people lost family members in violent circumstances. The other 8 people lost family members in car accidents. Here's the full WH list >> pic.twitter.com/ekJrW4V14OWH releases names of 14 people joining Trump at White House "Angel Families" event. Appears that 6 people lost family members in violent circumstances. The other 8 people lost family members in car accidents. Here's the full WH list >> pic.twitter.com/ekJrW4V14O
Trump is listing statistics on crimes committed by undocumented immigrants at an event with Angel Families. pic.twitter.com/F3VYr2MQjSTrump is listing statistics on crimes committed by undocumented immigrants at an event with Angel Families. pic.twitter.com/F3VYr2MQjS
Patrick Timmons writes for the Guardian from El Paso, Texas where people are being deported across the international bridge to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, according to an immigrants’ rights activist.Patrick Timmons writes for the Guardian from El Paso, Texas where people are being deported across the international bridge to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, according to an immigrants’ rights activist.
Instead of flying Mexican deportees to central Mexico, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) now deports people by land across the international bridge in Ciudad Juárez, an immigrants’ rights activist told El Diario.Instead of flying Mexican deportees to central Mexico, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) now deports people by land across the international bridge in Ciudad Juárez, an immigrants’ rights activist told El Diario.
“The spike in deportations to Juárez is happening because a month ago Ice said it did not have the funds to keep flying deportees three times a week to central Mexico and would suspend those flights for 90 days,” Blanca Navarrete García of the group Human Rights in Action told El Diario. The Juárez newspaper attempted to contact Ice in El Paso but officials could not be reached for comment.“The spike in deportations to Juárez is happening because a month ago Ice said it did not have the funds to keep flying deportees three times a week to central Mexico and would suspend those flights for 90 days,” Blanca Navarrete García of the group Human Rights in Action told El Diario. The Juárez newspaper attempted to contact Ice in El Paso but officials could not be reached for comment.
Organizations in Ciudad Juárez are struggling to cope with the deportations. In the first four months of this year Ice deported almost 3,000 Mexicans to Juárez from El Paso, reports El Diario.Organizations in Ciudad Juárez are struggling to cope with the deportations. In the first four months of this year Ice deported almost 3,000 Mexicans to Juárez from El Paso, reports El Diario.
A spokeswoman for the Casa del Migrante, a migrant shelter run by the Catholic Church in the border city said they have been receiving about 100 deported Mexicans a day but only have space to shelter 500 migrants, including northbound Mexicans and Central Americans trying to enter the United States.A spokeswoman for the Casa del Migrante, a migrant shelter run by the Catholic Church in the border city said they have been receiving about 100 deported Mexicans a day but only have space to shelter 500 migrants, including northbound Mexicans and Central Americans trying to enter the United States.
Navarrete told El Diario the deportees arrive without documents and without money and find it difficult to even find low-paying work in Ciudad Juárez.Navarrete told El Diario the deportees arrive without documents and without money and find it difficult to even find low-paying work in Ciudad Juárez.
The Casa del Migrante is the only migrant shelter in Ciudad Juárez, a border city of 1.3 million people dominated by large-scale manufacturing for export known as maquiladoras.The Casa del Migrante is the only migrant shelter in Ciudad Juárez, a border city of 1.3 million people dominated by large-scale manufacturing for export known as maquiladoras.
Guardian reporter Rory Carroll writes from the border in Texas, where some people say they are frustrated by the influx of immigrants to the US.Guardian reporter Rory Carroll writes from the border in Texas, where some people say they are frustrated by the influx of immigrants to the US.
Amid the widespread outrage and protests over the Trump administration’s immigration policy it’s easy to overlook the fact that many Americans, even working class Latinos, are fed up with the influx across the border.Amid the widespread outrage and protests over the Trump administration’s immigration policy it’s easy to overlook the fact that many Americans, even working class Latinos, are fed up with the influx across the border.
“Who’s paying for it? Taxpayers like me, that’s who. It’s costing us a lot. They’re getting everything for free. I don’t get no help from the government but these people get free food, free medical care. We can’t foot the bill for everyone.”“Who’s paying for it? Taxpayers like me, that’s who. It’s costing us a lot. They’re getting everything for free. I don’t get no help from the government but these people get free food, free medical care. We can’t foot the bill for everyone.”
The speaker was not a Trump diehard but a woman I’ll call Sonia, a fiftysomething Latina in Tornillo, the Texan hamlet where more than 300 children of undocumented migrants are housed in a tent city. I heard several others here echoing her views.The speaker was not a Trump diehard but a woman I’ll call Sonia, a fiftysomething Latina in Tornillo, the Texan hamlet where more than 300 children of undocumented migrants are housed in a tent city. I heard several others here echoing her views.
Sonia said she felt bad about the separation of parents and children but felt worse that the US, in her view, was being fleeced. “Are these people going to be productive? Are they going to work?”Sonia said she felt bad about the separation of parents and children but felt worse that the US, in her view, was being fleeced. “Are these people going to be productive? Are they going to work?”
Undocumented migrants and asylum seekers invariably say they do wish to work, hard, and often end up doing tough, menial jobs that Americans shun. Others endure months or years in detention before being deported.Undocumented migrants and asylum seekers invariably say they do wish to work, hard, and often end up doing tough, menial jobs that Americans shun. Others endure months or years in detention before being deported.
Sonia was not heartless, just expressing her priorities. She works full-time in a discount store and earns barely $9 an hour. She has health problems, struggles to pay insurance, has no pension and expects to have to work well into old age.Sonia was not heartless, just expressing her priorities. She works full-time in a discount store and earns barely $9 an hour. She has health problems, struggles to pay insurance, has no pension and expects to have to work well into old age.
While progressives see detained migrants as victims of inhumane policies she sees uninvited burdens. Ending the separation policy will encourage more to come, she predicted. “There are air-conditioned tents waiting for them.”While progressives see detained migrants as victims of inhumane policies she sees uninvited burdens. Ending the separation policy will encourage more to come, she predicted. “There are air-conditioned tents waiting for them.”
Sam Levin in the Guardian’s San Francisco bureau here, taking over our live coverage of family separations at the border. The Guardian has correspondents reporting on both sides of the border, in Guatemala and across the US who will continue sending dispatches.Sam Levin in the Guardian’s San Francisco bureau here, taking over our live coverage of family separations at the border. The Guardian has correspondents reporting on both sides of the border, in Guatemala and across the US who will continue sending dispatches.
Here’s a quick update from the United Nations human rights office, which has said that Trump’s decision to stop separating children from their parents doesn’t go far enough and may amount to torture. From the AP:Here’s a quick update from the United Nations human rights office, which has said that Trump’s decision to stop separating children from their parents doesn’t go far enough and may amount to torture. From the AP:
Human rights office spokeswoman Ravini Shamdasani said Friday that “children should never be detained for reasons related to their or their parents’ migration status”.Human rights office spokeswoman Ravini Shamdasani said Friday that “children should never be detained for reasons related to their or their parents’ migration status”.
Shamdasani urged the US to overhaul its migration policy, such as by relying on “non-custodial and community-based alternatives” under the “logic of care” rather than that of law enforcement.Shamdasani urged the US to overhaul its migration policy, such as by relying on “non-custodial and community-based alternatives” under the “logic of care” rather than that of law enforcement.
Also Friday, a group of nearly a dozen independent human rights experts commissioned by the UN said the new US policy “may lead to indefinite detention of entire families in violation of international human rights standards”.Also Friday, a group of nearly a dozen independent human rights experts commissioned by the UN said the new US policy “may lead to indefinite detention of entire families in violation of international human rights standards”.
The executive order signed by the @POTUS on 20 June 2018 fails to address the situation of thousands of migrant children forcibly separated from their parents & held in detention at the border – UN #HumanRights experts: https://t.co/R2I0TrttS9 pic.twitter.com/BbfFoHIX3lThe executive order signed by the @POTUS on 20 June 2018 fails to address the situation of thousands of migrant children forcibly separated from their parents & held in detention at the border – UN #HumanRights experts: https://t.co/R2I0TrttS9 pic.twitter.com/BbfFoHIX3l
The experts also said the practice of detaining children in some cases “may amount to torture”.The experts also said the practice of detaining children in some cases “may amount to torture”.
The UN human rights office said the U.S. policy of putting immigrant children in detention centers harms their development and "may amount to torture." 11,786 children are in U.S. detention facilities. The Trump administration plans to place 20,000 more in shelters this year. pic.twitter.com/yzVxCQ9l9WThe UN human rights office said the U.S. policy of putting immigrant children in detention centers harms their development and "may amount to torture." 11,786 children are in U.S. detention facilities. The Trump administration plans to place 20,000 more in shelters this year. pic.twitter.com/yzVxCQ9l9W
More from Lauren Gambino, Guardian political correspondent, who watched the end of this week’s legislative session in Washington DC.More from Lauren Gambino, Guardian political correspondent, who watched the end of this week’s legislative session in Washington DC.
In a dramatic end to a week roiled by public outrage over family separations at the southern border, congressman Ted Lieu stood quietly on the House floor as audio of immigrant children crying desperately for their parents reverberated through the chamber.In a dramatic end to a week roiled by public outrage over family separations at the southern border, congressman Ted Lieu stood quietly on the House floor as audio of immigrant children crying desperately for their parents reverberated through the chamber.
“If the Statue of Liberty could cry, she would be crying today,” the California Democrat said opening his remarks on the House floor on Friday.“If the Statue of Liberty could cry, she would be crying today,” the California Democrat said opening his remarks on the House floor on Friday.
He stood in front of a photograph of children wrapped in space blankets, lying on the floor of a detention center.He stood in front of a photograph of children wrapped in space blankets, lying on the floor of a detention center.
“As I stand here there are 2,300 babies and kids who were ripped away from their parents by our government in detention centers around the country,” he continued, likening the policy to the “functional equivalent in kidnapping”.“As I stand here there are 2,300 babies and kids who were ripped away from their parents by our government in detention centers around the country,” he continued, likening the policy to the “functional equivalent in kidnapping”.
He asked the near-empty chamber to consider the “horror and fear” these children are facing. “What must it sound like?” he asked, before playing a recording published by ProPublica earlier this week from inside a US Customs and Border Protection detention center.He asked the near-empty chamber to consider the “horror and fear” these children are facing. “What must it sound like?” he asked, before playing a recording published by ProPublica earlier this week from inside a US Customs and Border Protection detention center.
The audio, which ran for eight minutes, added a new dimension to the understanding of the toll the practice was taking on the young children at a point when journalists were kept from touring the centers.The audio, which ran for eight minutes, added a new dimension to the understanding of the toll the practice was taking on the young children at a point when journalists were kept from touring the centers.
For several minutes, the audio played in the chamber as the chair banged her gavel and demanded he turn off the recording. Playing the audio violated the House “rules of decorum” the chairwoman said.For several minutes, the audio played in the chamber as the chair banged her gavel and demanded he turn off the recording. Playing the audio violated the House “rules of decorum” the chairwoman said.
“People need to hear the tape,” Lieu protested.“People need to hear the tape,” Lieu protested.
After four minutes, Lieu yielded the floor and the House adjourned for the weekend, leaving once again for another the week any hope of resolving of immigration reform.After four minutes, Lieu yielded the floor and the House adjourned for the weekend, leaving once again for another the week any hope of resolving of immigration reform.
Nic Wirtz, writing for the Guardian from Central America, sent dispatches from people who said their children were taken away from them.Nic Wirtz, writing for the Guardian from Central America, sent dispatches from people who said their children were taken away from them.
Nazario Jacinto Carrillo was arrested on the Mexico-US border on May 16 and deported back to Guatemala, leaving his five-year-old daughter Filomena Jacinto Velásquez behind.Nazario Jacinto Carrillo was arrested on the Mexico-US border on May 16 and deported back to Guatemala, leaving his five-year-old daughter Filomena Jacinto Velásquez behind.
Prensa Libre captured the frantic father as he raced back to Huehuetenango to continue the search for Filomena. She is believed to be in New York, where her father claims children are being hit on their feet with pieces of aluminium. Nazario intended to return to the US to provide a better life for his family.Prensa Libre captured the frantic father as he raced back to Huehuetenango to continue the search for Filomena. She is believed to be in New York, where her father claims children are being hit on their feet with pieces of aluminium. Nazario intended to return to the US to provide a better life for his family.
Lawyers for Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid have agreed to represent two Central American mothers who had their children, including a two-year-old, taken away from them at the border. Both women were attempting to seek asylum for domestic abuse.Lawyers for Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid have agreed to represent two Central American mothers who had their children, including a two-year-old, taken away from them at the border. Both women were attempting to seek asylum for domestic abuse.
Rómulo González from Champerico, Guatemala had his right eye torn out during a kidnapping which cost his family $13,500 to free him. Fearing another attack he decided to seek asylum in the US. González was detained and his three-year-old daughter Genesis was taken away from him.Rómulo González from Champerico, Guatemala had his right eye torn out during a kidnapping which cost his family $13,500 to free him. Fearing another attack he decided to seek asylum in the US. González was detained and his three-year-old daughter Genesis was taken away from him.
Lourdes de León agreed to be deported back to Guatemala on the condition that her six-year-old son would be returned to her. To date, Lourdes does not know where Leo Jeancarlo de León is.Lourdes de León agreed to be deported back to Guatemala on the condition that her six-year-old son would be returned to her. To date, Lourdes does not know where Leo Jeancarlo de León is.
“They told me that if I accepted the deportation they would give me my son back soon, but if I stayed in the United States, the process to recover him would take more than six months. All I wanted was to give him a better tomorrow, but I think I failed him,” said Lourdes de León.“They told me that if I accepted the deportation they would give me my son back soon, but if I stayed in the United States, the process to recover him would take more than six months. All I wanted was to give him a better tomorrow, but I think I failed him,” said Lourdes de León.
Buzzfeed has put together a robust piece on one of the main attacks being leveraged against reporting on Donald Trump’s family separation policy: that journalists did not cover Barack Obama’s harsh family detention policies the last time there was an influx of child migrants at the border.Buzzfeed has put together a robust piece on one of the main attacks being leveraged against reporting on Donald Trump’s family separation policy: that journalists did not cover Barack Obama’s harsh family detention policies the last time there was an influx of child migrants at the border.
The Buzzfeed piece, which explains how that claim is not true, is here: Anyone Who Says The Media Ignored Obama’s Border Crisis Is Wrong, and a tiny sampling of the Guardian’s best reporting on that issue, here:The Buzzfeed piece, which explains how that claim is not true, is here: Anyone Who Says The Media Ignored Obama’s Border Crisis Is Wrong, and a tiny sampling of the Guardian’s best reporting on that issue, here:
Orphaned by deportation: the crisis of American children left behindOrphaned by deportation: the crisis of American children left behind
US government deporting Central American migrants to their deathsUS government deporting Central American migrants to their deaths
Child immigrant detainees: ‘There’s an overwhelming sadness among them’Child immigrant detainees: ‘There’s an overwhelming sadness among them’
These stories are newly relevant because the Trump administration is moving to violate a law that limits child, and therefore family, detention to 20 days. A federal judge put that rule in place in response to criticism of the Obama administration’s family detention practices.These stories are newly relevant because the Trump administration is moving to violate a law that limits child, and therefore family, detention to 20 days. A federal judge put that rule in place in response to criticism of the Obama administration’s family detention practices.