Release of Detained Families an Encouraging Step

Statement

"ICE recently announced that it was releasing families from detention on bond, ankle bracelets, or orders of supervision if they have passed credible and reasonable fear interviews. This is a very important step in the right direction. However, we remain strongly convinced that no family -- regardless of status -- should be housed in jail-like facilities for any length of time.

"During our visit to Texas detention facilities, we met with mothers and children who described the trauma of being held in jail-like conditions, even for short periods of time. Luis Zayas, Dean of Social Work at the University of Texas, has said that the trauma of detention can be observed in children who have been detained for as little as two or three weeks.

"We greatly appreciate the steps DHS is taking to limit detention for families, but we believe that family detention in its current form must end completely and unequivocally."

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