Congressman Ruben Hinojosa's Statement on DHS Secretary's Response to Congressional Pressure to Stop the Detention of Immigrant Families

Statement

"I am pleased to see that our efforts are having a positive effect on making important changes to the detention of women and children in U.S. facilities, particularly the Karnes Detention Center. I thank Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson for his efforts in making the process more humane. While there is much more to be done, I feel we are making changes for the better for the mothers and children who remain in these facilities."

"The Karnes Detention Center has been the unfortunate home for hundreds of women and their children who have been held in jail-like settings for long periods of time. This is unhealthy and detrimental to the development of the children. These jails were made to hold criminals who are guarded by jailers. It makes no sense at all to detain families in jails. It makes no sense to have these families handled by jailers. We must consider the health and welfare of these innocent children. America should not be a nation that imprisons infants and children. Since Republicans won't take up comprehensive immigration reform, we must find a better solution for these families."

"I also support the continuation of programs that will assist Central American countries in preventing the mass exodus of their children to the U.S. borders. We must offer aid to these countries so they will encourage their residents to remain at home by creating a safe environment for their families in their own communities."

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