Appropriations language leads to CBP report on children separations at the border
Texas Border Business
Washington — Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released a statement today addressing the separation of migrant families while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody:
“I remain concerned about the separation of migrant families while in CBP custody. I want to ensure that CBP adheres to policies that maintain family unity to the greatest extent possible, absent a legal requirement or a safety concern.
“Because of the language I secured in the FY18 Omnibus Appropriations bill, CBP reported that in FY17, the U.S Border Patrol (USBP) separated 1,065 families out of a total of 75,622 immigrant families. CBP takes necessary factors into account when determining grounds for a child’s separation: agents assess the legitimacy of a guardian, additionally taking into account each family member’s overall health. They also review the adult’s criminal history and determine if a child is a victim of trafficking. Of the 703 separated in Fiscal Year 2018 through May, 191 families were separated due to illegitimate guardianship and 72.8% were separated due to concerns regarding the safety of the child (SOURCE).
“I do not support any measure that does not take the best interest of the child into consideration— the data above shows that only a small percentage of families are being separated, and when they are, this happens in specific cases where CBP acts in favor of the child’s wellbeing.
“I want to make it clear that this is a result of our broken immigration system. Smugglers and human traffickers exploit loopholes in our immigration laws that provide an incentive for migrants to put themselves in extreme danger to illegally cross our borders. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle towards closing loopholes and improving our immigration system.”
Congressman Cuellar has helped secure language in the last few Omnibus Appropriations bills directing ICE to avoid separating families whenever possible, to train field officers on mechanisms to reunite families, to improve detention facility conditions, and to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.
