Rep. Grijalva Denounces Administration’s Refusal to End Family Detention
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement marking the October 23rd deadline for the federal government to comply with U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee’s ruling, ordering a halt to the violation of Flores vs. Meese settlement which sets conditions for detaining immigrant children.
“Changing the terms of family detention is not the same as ending family detention,” Rep. Grijalva said. “The administration may be shortening the length of captivity, but it has not stopped it. In fact, they are holding more people now than they did in July when Judge Gee issued her first order.
“When Judge Gee demanded the administration adhere to the Flores Settlement, she was demanding that we stop imprisoning innocent children; yet children are still being detained. The ruling shows clearly that these families are being held in inhumane conditions, violating a moral and legal obligation we have to refugees. Full compliance with the Flores Settlement means these appalling facilities must be closed immediately. Until DHS lives up to these simple demands of decency, they are not in compliance with Judge Gee’s order, and this represents an abrogation of the checks and balances that are such a critical part of our democracy.”
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