Smuggled Video Provides Glimpse Of Dangerous And ‘Heartbreaking’ Conditions At El Paso Migrant Camp
A BBC investigation provides fresh details of some of the unsanitary and treacherous conditions -- including alleged sexual abuse, covid outbreaks and lice -- for over 2,000 unaccompanied minors living at a Fort Bliss military base tent camp run by the Department of Health and Human Services. Separately, CBS News reports on the mental toll for those youngsters, including suicide risks.
BBC News:
'Heartbreaking' Conditions In US Migrant Child Camp
The tented camp in the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, Texas, is the temporary home for over 2,000 teenaged children who have crossed the US-Mexico border alone and are now awaiting reunification with family in the US. Findings from the BBC's investigation include allegations of sexual abuse, Covid and lice outbreaks, a child waiting hours for medical attention, a lack of clean clothes and hungry children being served undercooked meat. The BBC has spoken to camp employees about these conditions and seen photos and video smuggled out by staff. (Andersson, 6/23)
CBS News:
Migrant Children Endure "Despair And Isolation" Inside Tent City In The Texas Desert
The level of distress among migrant boys and girls held by the U.S. government at a tent city in the Texas desert has become so alarming that they are constantly monitored for incidents of self-harm, panic attacks and escape attempts, people who worked at the federal site told CBS News. Some children held at the large tent complex at the Fort Bliss U.S. Army base have required one-on-one supervision 24 hours a day to ensure they don't hurt themselves. Others have refused to eat or spend most of their days sleeping on cots. Workers said they saw migrant girls and boys with cut marks on their wrists and arms. (Montoya-Galvez, 6/22)
Roll Call:
Kamala Harris To Visit Southern Border Amid Mounting Pressure
Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the U.S.-Mexico border during a trip Friday to El Paso, Texas, the White House said Wednesday. The visit will be Harris’ first to the border since she took office, and Republicans have criticized her for months for not visiting the area sooner despite her role in addressing an influx of migrants from the region. (Simon, 6/23)
Axios:
Border Democrats Want Migrants Vaccinated
Some Democrats representing border districts want President Biden to vaccinate migrants crossing into the U.S. — especially if he lifts public health restrictions that have prevented them from claiming asylum on American soil. Inoculating migrants treads a fine line of protecting the U.S. population while possibly incentivizing more migration with the offer of free COVID-19 vaccines. Republicans are likely to pounce on that. (Nichols, 6/23)
