February 21st, 2020
Rep. Grijalva Applauds Court Ruling, Demands Better Care for Asylum Seekers in U.S. Custody
TUCSON–This week, a federal judge in Tucson ruled that the detention conditions of Customs and Border Protection in the Tucson sector were unsanitary and violated the basic dignity of asylum seekers in custody.
“We’ve heard the stories and seen the photos of the awful conditions faced by asylum seeking families once they flee their home countries and look for safety and security in the United States,” said Rep. Raul M. Grijalva. “This ruling confirms what we’ve known all along. The Trump Administration’s policies are cruel, inhumane, and deplorable.”
Dozens of migrants have died in immigration custody under the Trump Administration. The Doe v. Wolf plaintiffs described experiences of sleeping on cold concrete floors and nonexistent access to basic medical care along with being fed inedible food. In his ruling, the federal judge ordered CBP to provide a blanket, bed, shower, potable water and food, and medical care to those in their care.
“It’s clear that the Trump Administration has no intention to make our immigration system better,” continued Rep. Grijalva. “They only want to make it so intolerable that people stop coming. This is not how our country should treat adults and children, and I’m pleased that the courts have upheld humanity and dignity in our immigration system. Now, the Trump Administration needs to implement this ruling and put an end to detaining families in custody.”
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