From Amnesty International USA (http://www.amnestyusa.org):
NOTE: This is a written account of someone who is among those traveling with the caravan from Central America.
URGENT: We need your immediate action to advocate for the caravan families. We only have a few days left to stop the Administration from jailing children and their families — take action now at https://act.amnestyusa.org/page/32656/action/1.
Today I’m in Tornillo, Texas, where our team of researchers has deployed to the infamous tent city built here to house the overflow of detained children. These children, many of whom have fled violence in their home country, sought safety in the United States and instead have been jailed.
I didn’t know what to expect, but what I saw was heartbreaking. The facility opened with 400 beds back in June. Children should never be detained, but it was filled in the dark of night with minimal standards of care. Now there is a plan in place to increase the bed count to 3,800. I’m angry. I’m disgusted. Children belong in a safe, warm bed. Not in jail.
At the same time this is happening, thousands of people from Central America are crossing into Mexico as part of a caravan heading towards the United States. Many of these families are fleeing violence and persecution, seeking refuge in a country that claims to be a beacon of hope to the world. Instead of finding safety, these families are being detained.
The administration wants kids and their parents together — in detention. Speak out against this now.
The caravan is approaching our borders, and many of those children could end up here in the tent city locked up as they wait for the chance to have their asylum case heard. Mothers, fathers, and children are navigating the dangerous journey to the United States to seek asylum, only to end up in a tent city like the one here in Tornillo.
The administration wants to issue a new rule that will give the government a blank check for jailing kids in family detention. Between now and November 6th, the government has to accept comments on this new rule, from the public. We’re aiming to send 50,000 comments and we only have a few days left— that’s 50,000 voices speaking out for humanity and human rights. Will you join us?
We are outraged at the administration’s horrendous treatment of children — including those whose parents brought them to the US seeking protection from violence and persecution.
Join us in holding the administration accountable by speaking out for families now.
Susan Barclay
These are not bad people. They are women, children, and men walking unfathomable miles for a chance of a better life. The Bible tells us to treat the alien in our land with respect (check it out in Leviticus). Surely guns and detention centers are NOT the answer. We must be better than this
Charlotte Whiting
We must not repeat the separation of families seeking asylum in the United States or placing them in detention. They must be given a hearing as is their right. I urge you to consider the permanent damage done to families recently separated at our border and realize the great dangers they are fleeing in their own countries. We are a nation of immigrants who have made us a remarkable and admirable country. We are also a compassionate people of faith and welcome.