Since Deaths Of Two Migrant Children In U.S. Custody, There’s Been Dramatic Increase Of Medical Staff On Border
Criticism of the quality of care and safety conditions at immigration detention facilities grew even louder after the deaths of two young children who were in U.S. custody. Now, medical teams from the Coast Guard, HHS and private contractors have been triaging kids who come across the border, while border agents with medical backgrounds are patrolling more far-flung areas. Meanwhile, after touring a migrant camp in Florida, lawmakers pledged to work toward better conditions. And Democrats call for an investigation into ICE's force feeding of detainees during a hunger strike.
The Washington Post:
Border Crisis: Surge Of Families Crossing Shifts Focus To Medical, Humanitarian Needs
This cactus forest on the U.S.-Mexico border was quiet one recent day. No mass crossings of migrant families. No sprinters. Just two men caught sneaking into the Arizona desert. Then U.S. Border Patrol Agent Daniel Hernandez spotted a youth alone under a juniper tree, dressed as if he were headed to church. When the agent approached, the teen quickly surrendered. (Sacchetti, 2/19)
The Associated Press:
Lawmakers Tour Florida Migrant Teen Camp, Want Policy Shift
Congressional Democrats from Florida and Texas on Tuesday toured a migrant camp, where they said children are being held for too long in a place that has a "prison-like" feeling. The lawmakers held a news conference after visiting a facility in Homestead, Florida. They pledged to work for children who cross the U.S.-Mexico border to reunite with their families already in the U.S. The Democrats say those who cross with siblings, aunts or uncles should remain together. (2/19)
The Associated Press:
Lawmakers Seek Probe Of ICE Force-Feeding Of Immigrants
Nearly 50 Democratic lawmakers called for a watchdog investigation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday after the agency confirmed it had been force-feeding immigrant detainees on a hunger strike. Reporting by The Associated Press revealed late last month that nine Indian men who were refusing food at a Texas detention facility were being force-fed through nasal tubes against their will. (Burke and Mendoza, 2/19)
