money for tanks but not humans? How is it possible that we allow this president to literally tear up the streets of Washington D.C. to give himself a military parade while allowing human rights abuses?
4
$750/day for each child! We are paying for it from our taxes.
Reading some of these posts is outright sickening and makes me wonder what kind of self-righteous people inhabit this country. We are all immigrants. And, before someone adds the word “legally,” I think the American Indians would beg to differ.
There certainly needs to be a process, but then that’s why we have a Congress, and the GOP pro(gestational) life, moral and religious value party should get their heads out of the sand and begin diligently working on a solution that includes common ground, realistic, pragmatic solutions.
A good place to start would be to honestly address the issue as to why these people are fleeing their countries. Is it domestic violence, gang violence, poverty, if so, what kind and why? Is climate change creating more drought conditions, heavier rainfall like we see here in the United Stares. Can farmers no longer make a living?
Rather than name call and make preposterous statements, use the brain we were given, sit down, look at the facts and work from there. Aren’t there enough real problems in the world that it’s time we realize idiocy won’t fix it.
23
What is it going to take? What will be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back? When is this country going to retake its conscience, its backbone, its heart, and become what we used to be so proud of being? We are no longer the City on the Hill of John Winthrop's dream, and we are not the land of hopes and dreams anymore. We are a joke, a lie, a disgrace! Face it. We have "elected" a fascist, and have a worthless pile of legislators who look the other way as the fascist's foul stench grows. What's it going to take? The horror at the southern border today is enough to make any decent American vomit. But ... are there any decent Americans left?
8
Democrats would have you believe if someone broke into your house, you would be responsible to feed them, clothe them, give them a bed and get them a doctor if they need one. Then give them a right to vote on what is for breakfast and give them a car and a license to drive one.
14
We don’t have to give them anything. They are quite capable of doing their own work and taking care of themselves.
You’re saying they are breaking into your house. They probably helped build it at a fraction of the cost and paid into a system they won’t even receive a direct benefit from.
I’ll back my argument up. You can find tons of data if you look.
“Moreover, all immigrants—regardless of status—will contribute approximately $80,000 more in taxes than government services used over their lifetime.”
7 WAYS IMMIGRANTS ENRICH
OUR ECONOMY AND SOCIETY
https://www.unidosus.org/issues/immigration/resources/facts
6
This kind of talk is unamerican and unchristian. how about if your ancestors had been locked in cages on Ellis island without access to basic care? please think hard about who you are defending.
2
We need much more sunlight on contractors and profiteers of human misery by the news media. Obviously, unless we are a truly depraved nation, people are unaware of this smug, guilless underbelly of opinion, nurtured by those who make a profit. More real exposure of the profiteers of this practice, and their cover.
7
It's time to repeal the 1965 immigration act before it's too late.
3
It’s too late.
1
@Skippy,
yes. The child that will make white folks the strongest minority in this country within the next two decades has already been born.
But that is what Lyndon, the white Texan, was willing to embrace at the time.
@NYCSurgical
Everything you have stated is absolutely false. There is a Rio Grande, private property the government would have to seize and Republican backed corporations who own the food industry who hire illegals; as well as Trump.
On top of all this, Americans are THE world’s biggest user of illegal drugs - the reason these countries have been taken over by gangs.
Only Trump and the Republican Senate has withdrawn funding that would have helped stabilize these countries and stop the flow of immigrants. But hey, they want a crises they can blame on the Dems. That is how low they have stooped. Abhorrent.
7
Jail, jail is more humane than what is going on in these detention centers. In jail, prisoners are given toothbrushes, soap, blankets, a place to sleep, decent food and the right to have visitors. Jail would be like resort living to these poor, abused people. Shame on you Republicans for not standing up against this brutal treatment of mostly innocent, needy, frightened human beings. Shame, shame, shame.
4
@Elena Marcusi
Evidently you do not have first or second hand knowledge of jails or prisons throughout the United States, including Angola, but being from NY, haven't you even read about the conditions at Rikers Island ?
3
Don't feel like working this week ? kids a hassle? Rival drug dealers cutting in on your territory ?
Step across the border and get a free government vacation at a government Health Spa ...free food ...free Child Care... Free Medical and when you get bored get a free ticket home
As a tax-paying citizen where do I sign up for this freebie?
12
How soon will it be before the homeless start disappearing, and the members of the media arrested?
Yes it can happen here.
2
If American politicians keep themselves in the headlines by speaking more about the plight of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers than by speaking about the plight of the 40 million Americans who live in poverty, they will lose the 2020 election.
Trump is setting the trap and you are walking right into it.
12
@Patricia Brown
Trump is not setting anything up. He is using hate for power. If it goes that way it’s because of people like yourself that helped lead him to more water.
Face evil down or be over run.
I would suggest the Democrats, especially the juniors, grow up and focus on who they are ostensibly trying to help, assuming that they aren't really just trying to help themselves and their political career. As for that "Secret" facebook group, those of us who work in emergency services, I was a fireman and an EMT, engage in some pretty explicit dark humor, both men and women. Sometimes the women can be more foul than the men. It's called gallows humor. Most everybody, or profession, has their own version of it, even, dare I say, members of Congress. The ProPublica article spotlights a post where an officer is referring to "floaters", dead people floating in the river. In the fire service we call people who have burned to death "crispy critters". Most every firefighter knows the term. In New York they call them "roasts". It's not something we discuss in public. It's confined within the 'trade' and is a way of dealing with the stress of the job. That's why is is a 'secret' FaceBook group. It's like the strict privacy of group therapy sessions.
Welcome to the real world snowflake righteous journalists and Congress Persons. This sort of stuff has been going on since Jesus, and before that. Liberals are intent on making the situation worse so they can blame Trump.
12
Maybe there is a difference. . . Did you and your coworkers abuse the people you were supposed to help? Or did you do your best and then make a few dark comments after a job well done to lighten the emotional load?
3
@Martha Grattan
Get a job like theirs. Haul a rotting, stinking corpse out of a river in the morning then go eat lunch during your lunch break, then prepare yourself to do the same the next day. You'll still smell it after you take a shower and change your clothes. Then read the news and see what people say about you in the national press.
That's just the first week on the job.
8
So, Obama drastically increased the number of admittable refugees on his way out, knowing a Republican successor would reduce the number...?
And then Trump drastically reduced the number...?
Is there a politician who isn't willing to toy with human lives for the sake of the political game?
1
We are training Border Patrol to dehumanize the people they are paid to take care. Imagine how they behave and what they will do to their family, their community, their fellow government workers, and the American citizens once they are leaving their jobs. Only in Texas.
4
The #1 issue in the 2020 election is health care and protection of half this nation that is female and in dire danger of losing their constitutional right to their own body.
The #1 issue is not a bunch of 3rd worlders breaking into the U.S. to park on welfare for their entire lives with their 3+ offspring; most of whom are anti-female and anti-birth control and anti-abortion strict Catholic.
13
Immigrants can't get jobs unless there are employers. Blaming all the little people is a conservative specialty.
5
In the state of Kentucky residents are required to take a bath at least once a year. This is state law. People stuck in hurricane shelters don't take baths either.
Maybe the Democrats could stop bickering with Trump and flood the border with supplies and resources and plumbers to install showers, or let the military do it. They set up emergency hospitals in Africa during one of the Ebola epidemics. They were a bit late with that effort but that's not their fault. They can only do what is authorized by Congress.
6
@Aristotle Gluteus Maximus
Maybe give them a date for a hearing and an ankle monitor. 90% show up already without any of that.
3
White people in America are the original illegal "immigrants" - never forget that.
7
@Jeremy
They weren't illegal. There were no laws to violate. There was not a sovereign nation.
16
@Jeremy so Elizabeth Warren is a true native?
2
@Jeremy
And Asians crossed the Bering Strait to become ‘Native’ Americans.
Fast forward to the the 21st century...Surprise! The United States is a sovereign nation with defined borders and immigration laws.
10
Conditions worthy of a third-world dictatorship. Behavior by Border Patrol guards worthy of a third-world dictatorship's prison guards. Behavior by Trump supporters worthy of a third-world dictator's supporters.
Add this latest insult to our heritage, reputation and Constitution and you get a United States of America that has never sunk so low, a U.S. that has abandoned all claim to moral leadership in the world, whose shining beacon of liberty has been blacked out.
It's all attributable to the despicable man in the White House, who has inspired and encouraged humans' worst instincts in his supporters. One can see in them exactly how Germans allowed themselves to murder so many millions of people.
And the whole world is watching our rapid decline.
9
Not all, the capitulation by Congressional Republicans has energized the destruction and blocked correction.
POWs are allowed visits from the Red Cross surely these children deserve at least this minimal oversight.
5
Sad situation! The blame lies in Washington at the feet of our politicians. Far too many administrations have looked the other way while our immigration laws were NOT enforced. Businesses who rely on an illegal work force, presidents who give “legal” status to those who are here illegally in the hopes it will help them be re-elected (yes I refer to Obama and DACA) are all examples of elected officials bypassing the laws. The American people see the results and they know who to blame. It is difficult to have pity for people who pay smugglers and travel a thousand miles and put their children in harms way.
10
The fish rots from the head down. Donald Trump sets a bad example for law enforcement as a sexual offender, racist and bully with no regard for the law or the Constitution.
7
It's hard to feel empathy for people who are being detained by their own choice. Any one of them will be set free if they so choose.
25
@Skip Conrad
The right to apply for asylum is the law. They have a right to have their cases adjudicated. There is no reason to deprive them of their basic needs as is happening, while they do await the outcome.
9
You actually think they are choosing to be detained? Like they woke up and said, “Let me see what that’s like!”. I’m curious what you and those who find it “hard to feel sympathy” think these people have experienced that led them to where they are. Do you not imagine their circumstances were not awful? Do you truly figure they were setting aside a great life in order to come to Trump’s hostile America? By “choice”?
4
@jaco
Yes but requesting asylum entitles anyone the right to due process.
There is no reason to hold asylum seekers in detention facilities, which have been shown to be in humane and which are costing billions of dollars to operate. Instead, issue the asylum seekers identification cards and temporary work permits. That way they can live in humane conditions and support themselves.
5
@Sandra Olliges. You have got to be kidding. Do you know that only 10% show up for their court dates? And by the way - stop exaggerating. It doesn’t cost billions of dollars. But then, Sandy, you probably don’t expect any in Idaho.
11
@Sandra Olliges, in other words, you’re for open borders.
Tell me, do you support vigorous enforcement of deportation orders once their claims have been adjudicated? Or would that too be inhumane?
11
Not true. Migrant workers are common in the Midwest. Who do you think harvests your food and takes care of the livestock you eat?
2
This is the result of Trump's 'empowerment' of bad government workers. He sets the tone for this mistreatment. You never heard of mistreatment during the previous Presidencies. Its not a coincidence. Changing the culture of Government will be his legacy for years to come, I'm afraid.
5
Asylum seekers are not breaking the law. Give them an ankle bracelet, a hearing date, and send them on their way. If a prison had these conditions a court would have mandated releases and transfers long ago.
8
@Mhevey They are when they are not entitled to asylum. Do you have any idea how few show up for their court date?
10
@Jackson
If that's true then I don't blame them. I probably wouldn't show up to a US court after being treated inhumanely in a detention facility either.
1
@Jackson
Do you?
6 to 7 percent don’t show? Secret records are hard to get to though so who knows. Obviously you don’t. Used t be around the 90% range that show up.
“Graham’s question was about asylum hearings, not about all immigration cases. From fiscal 2013 through 2017, asylum applicants received deportation orders “in absentia” in 6 percent to 11 percent of cases per year, according to the most recent statistics yearbook from the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The term “in absentia” is used when someone didn’t show up to court.”
How many migrants show up for immigration court hearings?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/06/26/how-many-migrants-show-up-immigration-court-hearings/
3
Can I as a POC move and live in Switzerland or Norway and raise my kids there? I would vastly prefer their environment in comparison to the Bronx. I guess I just cross over from Sweden and ask for asylum because of the prejudice against POC in the US.
21
@as
Go for it. You’ll have to swim pretty far though and walk a bit.
4
These U.S. industries can't work without illegal immigrants
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/illegal-immigrants-us-jobs-economy-farm-workers-taxes/
And in fact, these workers play vital roles in the U.S. economy, erecting American buildings, picking American apples and grapes, and taking care of American babies. Oh, and paying American taxes.
...
Increasingly, dairy farms such as those in New York rely on workers from Mexico and Guatemala, many of whom are believed to be undocumented. Currently, there is no visa program for year-round workers on dairy farms, so the precarious status of these workers poses serious concerns for the economic viability of the dairy industry.
...
if federal labor and immigration policies reduced the number of foreign-born workers by 50 percent, more than 3,500 dairy farms would close, leading to a big drop in milk production and a spike in prices of about 30 percent. Total elimination of immigrant labor would increase milk prices by 90 percent.
3
Data please? They may work, off the books and never report/file taxes. Tax evasion should really be a concern for all citizens and not just directed at 45.
8
As a one issue voter I feel like AOC seals the deal for me... I have to vote for safety and security at our border.
14
@Charlie
Buy a house alarm.
2
No sympathy from me. None whatsoever. This is the result of the toxic Democrat rhetoric, which first failed to admit that there was a border crisis and then refused to pass the bill to fund the crisis which they refused to acknowledge.
Come to Seattle and see first hand for yourself the third-worldisation of this city, as slums (tent cities) sprout along the median of the I-5, along the sidewalks in DT Seattle, along the I-90 corridor. Our Governor is one of the many lightweight candidates in the race to get a Dem. nomination. He has no chance to make it. Zero. And the Dems instead of focusing on the issues our homeless are facing with drugs, mental issues etc., are more fixated on crying crocodile tears for the holding conditions of the illegals, sanctuary city status etc. We are a country of laws. With out borders we don't have a country. Imagine the moneys being spent to take care of this southern border invasion. Now imagine channelling that instead to address the drugs, homelessness, health, education etc. that our legal citizens who are destitute need. And then you have the Dem. candidates jumping al over themselves to give the illegals all sorts of freebies.
As a centrist, initially I thought that Biden would be my candidate, but immigration is a huge issue for me and I don't think there is any Democratic candidate who is serious about addressing this and sees it for what it is - an invasion.
25
Regardless of where your personal views and ideology lie with respect to immigration law, immigration, and asylum seekers......
... the fact remains that these are human beings.. and there is ample evidence now that the US government in many cases is treating them as animals.
This is deliberate by the current administration as they seem to think that it will work to deter desperate people who are fleeing certain harm or death in their home country in many cases.
This entire approach by the current administration is a huge mistake as it further poisons world opinion on the morality of the US and encourages further deterioration of US influence in the world.
Look.. this is a very difficult issue, and has been for many years and it surges as an issue sometimes. But lets be honest.... Congress has kicked the can down the road on immigration reform for two decades now.... including when republicans had control of the white house and both houses of congress. But difficult issues require thoughtful and adaptive policies that actually work to resolve the issue... and nobody other then the House is currently even trying to do anything about it.
As a nation.. we are defined in the eyes of the world by how we operate, and how we treat others... both individuals and nations. Right now.. we look like a disgrace in this world.
9
@Chuck. Who cares. Our security isn’t their problem.
7
@Jackson
It is if we are run by fascists and align with dictators.
4
It's not legal to cross the border illegally even if one applies for asylum later. Only in the extremely unlikely case that the asylum petition gets eventually approved, the illegal crossing is "forgiven". It's dangerously misleading to keep repeating that crossing the border illegally from the safe country of Mexico is okay. It is not and anyone saying this is putting people in lethal danger. Please stop.
18
Google the Stanford prison experiment. The problem of detention is the problem of those who have authority and control vs those who do not have authority or control. And human nature.
Read the Stanford prison experiment. All young men of similar race (white) and social-economic status (mostly privileged) divided equally and randomly into the category of “guard” or “prisoner” and, on a Friday, put in a makeshift jail in the University basement. By the end of the first day the “guards” began to abuse the “prisoners”. By the end of the weekend the experiment (demonstration really) had to be called off because of the level of violence beginning to emerge. It will stop you in your tracks. Now add race, poverty, “otherness” to the prisoners mix and heated racial/ethnic rhetoric to the guards and you have the situation at our southern border. And in our jails.
Read the Stanford prison experiment. Google it. It will stop you in your tracks. This is why we can’t have the detention centers on our southern border with no on-sight regulators. This is why we need prison reform. This is why guards need a strong system around them to help them not regress to human nature at its worst. I know people won’t like me saying this, but it is not completely the guards’ fault. Human nature needs a backstop.
Google the Stanford prison experiment. Read it. It will stop you in your tracks.
4
I ashamed of being an American. My immigrant grandparents hailed from Ireland and were treated far better than these poor people, we as a nation have lost our soul and humanity. Our founding fathers would be appalled.
7
@Maureen You mean they didn’t mind the signs “ no Irish need apply”?
6
It’s lucky that Native Americans didn’t have holding cells, armed border guards and billion dollar fences to keep the Pilgrims out. Or maybe it’s a shame they didn’t.
3
@Andrew Wohl. Maybe that was because of their Stone Age culture. They just killed each other when they disagreed.
8
That is one way to look at it. Here is another. Native Americans lived in harmony with nature, never taking more than they needed. The environment was healthy and there was no such thing as endangered species.
2
@Martha Grattan
Believing that that the Native American lived in “harmony” with nature is a fallacy. There are many species that were wiped out by native Americans, sloths being one of them. Yes sloths were here in NA but not for long. Do some research before spewing falsehoods.
4
The scary thing about this is the actions of these Border Patrol agents and the blindfolded supporters of Trump’s border policy would clearly turn in a similar manner on their opposition in this country if they were allowed to do so. This is only a pre-cursor to a future of detention camps, apartheid-like segregation, Jim Crow laws and fascism revisited. I am all for strong border security. But I am clearly against human oppression.
3
@Floyd, OK, if detaining people who cross the border without legal permission is wrong, then what “strong border security” would you put in place? Maybe a wall to keep people from crossing illegally in the first place?
6
@Z97
How about the immigration bill from the gang of eight? The one the republicans turned down. You don’t think republicans will keep this going do you? I mean if it is fixed what will Trump run on? How can he rally the hate?
Michael Bennet and the Immigration Compromise That Failed - The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/us/politics/michael-bennet-immigration.html
Cruelty is a choioce. Anyone who comments on this story blaming the people who are trying to come to this country for asylum are supporting that choice. Please reconsider your stance and remember what and who this country stands for. Anyone who was not here before the 1400's came here for asylum or a better life. Every single one of us related to those people are here because of them. Please try to remember your better self and understand that we need to make America great again by remembering who we are. Not by hating people because they need our help.
8
@JDH. Please change YOUR stance since they could have claimed asylum in Mexico.
8
@JDH, yes, my ancestors came for a better life. However, they were vetted at Ellis Island and had to prove that they could support themselves and were healthy in mind and body. No one who did not meet these fairly strict requirements was allowed to stay. The country did not accept any “likely to become a public charge”, i.e. a welfare recipient.
13
@Jackson
Change YOUR stance.
By failing to adhere to the 1967 Protocol, the U.N. accord stating that participating countries including the U.S. would not "expel or return a refugee in any manner," wrote the officers, the Trump administration is compelling government employees to break international law.
Justice Department statistics indicate that 90 percent of people fulfill their legal obligations while awaiting asylum rulings in the United States.
Claiming Trump Is Forcing Them to Commit 'Widespread Violation' of International Law, Asylum Officers Back Lawsuit Against President's Policy | Common Dreams News
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/06/27/claiming-trump-forcing-them-commit-widespread-violation-international-law-asylum
2
Obviously Congress has not foreseen, nor created a system for halting mass illegal migration across the borders of our country. Therein lies the problem. The problem will not be solved and there will be holding areas that feel like concentration camps until we have such a system. We cannot survive as a well ordered, prosperous nation without some enforcable system of immigration control. Emotional hamdwringing and Pollyana sentimentality will not do it.
7
These foreign nationals just keep on coming. Should we just take over these countries at this point since they apparently can't take care of their own people? If we are taking in so many, we may as well gain more land as a country. Seems like a fair trade.
4
The Honorable Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s goal in her career is power not justice. People who seek justice follow the golden rule, she does not. They do not stereotype people to focus popular rage, she does. She is promoting idealistic proposals to build up a base of support. Once she is well established her enthusiasm for these cause will fade. The Green New Deal is not a plan for reversing global warming. It lacks any real basis in science nor in the engineering and economics of modern life. It’s all flashy ad campaign without substance. A lot of young people on the extreme left share her lack of respect for the golden rule, they feel empowered and they want to wield it. They are eager to take action with no regard to the consequences. It’s s prescription for electoral failure. I think that they think if Trump can succeed by being uncivil, so can they.
29
She is my Congresswoman and I am proud of her. She speaks for me.
5
@Zejee
I do believe that she represents her constituents.
But her behavior is not motivated by achieving a more just United States, although she thinks so. It's having the power to vanquish her enemies and to drive them away.
The key is how you treat people with who you disagree. Do you condemn the sinner or the sin? Following the golden rule means appreciating that one's adversary is a person like oneself, not some evil being who must be defeated and removed from the scene.
4
@Zejee
I know. She represents her constituents. But she is not a person able to see the humanity in those who upset her. She does not know this, she is too focused upon achieving what she wants for self reflection.
2
Plenty commenters here seem unable or unwilling to distinguish between an ordinary immigrant who wishes to come to the US for purely economic, professional reasons and seekers of asylum. The latter request safe stay, because life and limb are threatened back home. By UN rules the US agreed, asylum seekers have the right on legal representation in hearings presided by a judge who ultimately decides.
Moreover contrary to common belief in this country, most exiles wish nothing more than to return home once the crisis there subsides. More than half of the migrants who were granted asylum in Germany during the Yugoslav civil war eventually returned home. Perhaps the best way to solve the asylum crisis may be to improve the situation in the home countries of the exiles.
76
With due respect: I can speak only for myself. I am more than able to distinguish between an "ordinary immigrant" and a seeker of asylum.
Yes they have a different legal status. But they share one thing in common: both are human beings.
Neither should be treated like cattle.
Or worse.
11
@Peter Melzer
Immigration judges have been finding that only 10 to 15% of Central American migrants qualify for asylum. Ocasio-Cortez refuses to give any more money to the Immigration Service for fear that some of it would be used to deport those whose requests for asylum have been denied. She does not want anyone to be deported.
The Immigration Service has so little funding that it cannot afford to deport many people. Seeing this, more people have been encouraged to migrate here. They bet that there is a very good chance that they will be allowed to live here for the rest of their lives.
All of these migrants are crowding Immigration facilities, making it hard to adequately care for everyone.
The Immigration Service needs money to take better care of asylum seekers as they enter the U.S. and to deport those who are found not to qualify for asylum.
12
@Peter Melzer
85% of the Syrians who have arrived since 2015 intend to stay in Germany permanently. The east Europeans were aggressively deported and it was not a difficult return since they returned to largely similar cultures with money from work in Germany. And much of Yugoslavia was once part of Germany and for many the standard of living is better.
3
If Trump and his followers had their way, they would just shoot any migrant they catch trying to cross the border. That's the level of humanity we're facing right now. Nauseating.
13
Of course Trump supporters and Republicans either don't believe this information regarding the conditions in which migrant workers are being housed and treated--not to mention no Republican representatives are even bothering to check out the conditions for themselves--but their thinking is the migrants deserve it for entering illegally. My terror is that it seems we are just steps away from secret exterminations of people.
10
@Andrew. Once again your ignorance is showing. Other reps have gone to the border. They just aren’t grandstanders like AOC looking for a photo op.
3
Name them.
@Jackson
Last I checked Fox News is at fault for that. Don’t like it take it up with them since they constantly target her.
1
It feels like a jail because it is a jail. Now go and see the inside of a regular prison and be shocked even more. As for the border patrol culture - its a standard law enforcement/ prison guard subculture. Nothing surprising there.
11
So children should be jailed?
1
@Zejee I'm pretty sure that's not what @james is saying at all; he means that there are similar abuses (which are also deplorable) elsewhere, and is expressing his lack of surprise at this horror.
2
Why does hatred of the Other hold such appeal for so many? Do they not see a child, a parent, a fellow human being in need? Why do they not care?
14
The reason they don’t care is because they don’t see these people at the border as humans. Once you have demonized these people then you can do anything to them. If the majority of Americans believe those that are not American can be treated as less than human what does that say about the morality of a country?
2
I have been asking myself that question for the sixty years I have been alive.
2
@Tom Kochheiser
It’s very simple. Because too many people have been gaming the system for too long.
3
The hostile comments ignore the fact that many of these prisoners, and that is what they are, are asylum seekers who have a legal right to stay in the country while their cases are adjudicated.
It's time to clean house at this pigsty of an agency, and while Trump's Republican party is complicit in unspeakable cruelty, it is incapable of oversight.
All the more reason to vote a Democrat into the White House and take back the Senate.
73
@Dan, under current legal interpretations, yes, anybody from a poor country telling a sad story who claims asylum gets a hearing. Then, since this loophole is widely known, resulting in huge numbers trying to take advantage of it, which clogs the system, they get to live in our country scot free for years until their case comes up. Then, if a judge rules their claim invalid, they get a deportation order. However, that means nothing without vigorous enforcement and when Trump attempted to actually deport those who had ignored deportation orders, Democrats and the media cried foul.
Effectively open borders are an unsustainable policy. Asylum laws were written based on the Jewish experience under Hitler. Anything less than that level of persecution should not qualify even for a hearing.
We cannot save the whole world from poverty and disorder without destroying ourselves. Our responsibilities end with our own citizens and legal immigrants.
12
@Dan
Impossible until Trump is removed. Stephen Miller and the people in charge are doing this by design. They could simply release them to return for their hearings as we used to do.
Republicans and hateful people created this crisis and continue to use it to support Trump. It’s their defining issue and all they offer.
7
@Dan
These are economic migrants who've been coached how to game the U.S. immigration system by claiming violence and manufactured stories in order to TRY to qualify for "asylum". That's why they now drag along kids, theirs or someone else's. Illegal immigration from the so-called northern triangle countries is up while crime is actually down - by half - what it was a decade ago.
The reality is the qualification for asylum is quite stringent and 90% do not qualify. They don't care. The point is for them to gain entry into the U.S. and then move around to blend in and avoid deportation - for the rest of their lives. We've got illegals in the U.S. still here from after the 1986 amnesty: 35 years. We had friends 20 years ago whose maid/childcare helper was an illegal immigrant Guatemalan who'd been in the U.S. illegally since the 1970s and gained legal status only due to Reagan's 1986 amnesty. Forty years in the U.S. and she still didn't speak one word of English, relying on her son she'd brought with her to translate everything.
8
While they obviously should not be luxury palaces, jails should not be "squalid" either. Just what kind of society do we want, anyway?
6
Just say no to illegal immigration. I applaud the administration for finally addressing this dismal problem. Hopefully if enough migrants realize this is not an open border they will not try to cross illegally. The tax base of this country cannot support all the handouts the liberals want to give away to these groups.
51
@Jim
This administration did not say no to illegal immigration--Trump hired hundreds of illegal immigrants. That's saying yes.
11
@Jim
The handout is from the U.S. to American companies that hire illegal immigrants. If we enforced our own laws, on our own businesses, only legitimate asylum seekers would bother trying to come here. American companies make illegal immigration possible, attractive, and lucrative, which is why people continue to come here looking for work. A wall won’t keep them out.
Just out of curiosity, what are these liberal handouts you refer to? I’m not aware of any.
10
@Jim
Handouts? Who do you think picks the produce that's going to appear on your dinner table tonight? Pale young men with names like Armstrong or Johnson? Hardly. More like the bronzed Alvarado and Camacho. Ask any farm owner who works hardest and complains the least.
What you're hoping for (stopping immigration) will never come to pass because then there would be no one to make the beds, clean the toilets, or mow the lawns at Trump properties. And that's not going to happen unless you encourage your children to pursue that as a career path and, somehow, I think that's highly doubtful.
Point of fact these people work for peanuts, pay taxes, and are (according to government statistics) never able to recoup the value of the taxes paid and the contributions their wages make to social security. Contrary to the myths promoted - they are also more law abiding. They have to be. They have no real rights.
You know what that means? You are the direct beneficiary of these poor folks' "transgressions".
There is no one so hypocritical as the man who has got their hand in someone else's pocket and justifies their grifting by bad mouthing their defenseless mark as a "thief".
The likelihood of such a person, many of them so-called evangelicals, getting to a good place in the after-life (if there is one) is comparable to a camel getting through the eye of a needle. Not.
16
It's not like we have been building resorts serving continental breakfast in anticipation of massive waves of desperate people who have been deceived and manipulated by persuasive con artists.
7
fyi, we don’t care about the border patrol being unhappy with the Democrats in Congress, dt. What we care about are human rights and dignity.
12
Reports from the border should bring shame to all Americans. The inhumane treatment of migrants is tantamount to torture, and the fact that innocent children are being terrorized and confined in conditions that would be illegal for actual convicted criminal prisoners is beyond belief, and beyond tolerable.
Worse yet are the MAGA-head mobs actually supporting this despicable treatment. Who are these people? Where is their sense of decency and humanity? This is the pro-Trump crowd turning our nation toward fascism. Then they go to their evangelical churches and congratulate themselves on their support of their "God-chosen" president. Sick, sick. sick.
Please, lawyers, judges, put a stop to this so that decent Americans can stop being nauseated at this behavior!
20
"Most of the Democratic lawmakers on the trip to Texas voted against a $4.6 billion humanitarian aid package last month, citing concerns about sending more federal money to the border without strict oversight provisions."
Ocasio-Cortez said she voted against giving more money to the Immigration Service out of fear that some of it would be used to deport migrants whose requests for asylum have been denied. Central Americans are aware that few are being deported. They conclude that once they are admitted to the United States, that there is an excellent chance that they could remain here permanently. Consequently, more have decided to take the gamble of coming here.
The increasing numbers migrating here have led to overcrowding. The intake facilities along the border were built to process adult migrants within a few hours and then send them to detention centers to await their immigration hearings. The huge increase in the number of migrants has meant that there are not enough detention centers. This has left migrants having to wait in the border control’s intake facilities until vacancies open in the detention centers.
Immigration needs more money to both deport migrants who do not qualify for asylum and to open more detention centers.
17
@ann
More money yes. But at 750 per day per child and an average 22000 per year per adult would it not make more sense to just give the money to the migrants? A woman with four kids would get a check for about one million dollars and she can stay where she wants. Why can't we cut out the middle men......
So, you've been to the border, talked to these people, and have gotten to know them well enough that you can speak to their actual reasons for trying to enter this country?
And clearly those charged with border control are terrified of confessional oversight. Well the democrats were correct in their assessment and demand fir oversight. Thank you to Joe Kennedy and AOC.
1
While I hate Trump's methods, imagery, and vile words, I support the policy of controlling our borders. No great country can claim the title if it can't control its borders, and I don't support letting asylum seekers and illegal crossers to impose a policy on our country.
That said, those CBP officers are out of line in treating members of Congress like that. Whatever either of their politics, these are elected representatives of the people, and the executive branch executes the laws of the legislative branch. There's no call for that kind of behavior.
15
If they treat our members of Congress like that, how do you think they're treating the detainees? Who again are mostly exercising a legal right to seek asylum.
3
I agree, they are only entitled to enforce the laws not pass judgment in lawmakers who represent the people. But they are people who are being denied the means to do their jobs and some lawmakers are demeaning them to act like demagogues, too. They should respect that it’s the people not the lawmakers who are making their lives difficult, but not all are that wise.
"Lawmakers said they had been told not to speak to the migrants."
That really says it all.
17
@AJ
Do you remember what happened when President Obama created DACA to protect those who had come here before turning age 16 from deportation, and tried to create DAPA to offer equal protection to their parents? Parents who had left their children behind in Central American decided to pay drug cartels to bring their children here in the hope that they, too, would be able to live here without fear of deportation. The number of minors coming here suddenly shot way up.
The Obama Administration tried to keep reporters and photographers away from the border. It did not want the public to be aware of how many minors had suddenly started coming here, or the fact that over 3/4's of them were males between the ages of 15 and 17. It was later reported that many had tattoos showing gang affiliations.
(Over 70% of unaccompanied minors continue to be males who say they are between ages 15 and 17. Their countries are overpopulated. Many grew up without having enough to eat so they are stunted. Many young adults could pass for teenagers. We should be requiring anyone who could possibly be an adult to have his wrist X-rayed which would show if he is 18 or older.)
The current Administration is no different from the previous one in wanting the public not to see what is happening at the border.
2
Here's some perspective. AOC, Julio Castro and friends are looking for abuse, hoping to make political points with the absolute most ugly and outrageous stories they can uncover.
The best they can do is a shortage of toothbrushes and a rude Facebook page. Someone should have informed them that human beings don't last more than a few days without water. Come up with something more believable next time.
24
I think it would be better to cage and jail all the Sanctuary City politicians that helped create this "Manufactured Crisis"
23
@RS And just how did they create it?
2
@Paul Smith And just how did they create it?
"Please come to our city, we will give you sanctuary and a get out of jail free card if needed" "We will provide you with a ID card and allow you to take a job that should be going to one of our thousands of homeless" on and on and on and on......... Elected officials announcing ICE raids before they take place to help hide the immigrants . Judges allowing convicted immigrants to slip out the back door of courthouses.
2
@RS
The only crisis that's been created was created by Trump and his henchman Miller.
5
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” — Jesus.
“Lock ‘em up.” — Uncle Sam.
“The only vice that cannot be forgiven is hypocrisy. The repentance of a hypocrite is itself hypocrisy.” — William Hazlitt.
5
The illegals should only be held in the high quality, comfortable facilities that Obama had built during his administration. Then Democrats cannot complain.
16
@Richard Bourne
We're paying $750 per person, per day for them to stay in squalor, so yeah, we can complain.
3
It is a jail. They are ILLEGAL ALIENS. They stole into our country ILLEGALLY. If they don't like it send them back. Send then back anyway after telling them how to apply legally.
21
The border patrol officers think they are doing the bidding of Trump, which they clearly are. These years will be remembered as a time of madness, stupidity and pure evil.
13
AOC is not an honest and reliable person who can be believed. This business about drinking out of the toilet is an example. AOC says the illegal alien was forced to drink out of the toilet. The border patrol says the woman did not know how to work the faucet. The NY Times says the faucet was broken. What is the truth? AOC and the NYT are ferociously partisan sources who are prone to warp the facts to promote their politics. The border patrol is more credible.
26
@Steve Gregg What is this, Borat? People know what a toilet is. Why is AOC less credible than anyone else? Here's the one thing I know for sure: you are not an eyewitness. So no matter what, what you say is hearsay.
16
The faucet was broken and extreme thirst makes people desperate. I believe the detainees. I also believe that the CBP did not make sure that the faucets were working. I doubt that it was to torture the people but it was unprofessional.
1
No matter how obviously humane and “in keeping with the spirit of America” it may seem, treating “asylum seekers” as legal entrants is not a sustainable policy. Current interpretations of those laws basically cover almost everyone living in a country substantially poorer than the US, I.e. billions of people. All they have to do is get to the border.
Reason must overule sentiment if America is to remain a first world country.
24
Actually no, compassion and generosity must overrule fear and hate for us to remain a great country.
1
During a period of unemployment, I once gave the last dollar I had in the world to a homeless person, and I knew he might have spent it on a drink, but then he might have spent it on food, and either way, at that moment I had more than he did, because I still had a roof over my head.
I am an atheist. How is it that I care more for total strangers then do the good Christians of this country?
3
@Z97
It won't remain a first world country. Visit south LA, South Pomona or Barstow Ca. Visit Cleveland, Youngstown, Newark, Trenton or Detroit.
4
I still can't understand why these Border Patrol agents take such glee in hurting other humans. If this is allowed to continue, in our name, we only have ourselves to blame for not rising up by the millions. Let's test Trump and see if he will order the murder of protesters like they do in those other countries that he so adores. We won't know how far it has gone until we test him.
8
If you are inclined to believe that you have nothing to do with this and are appalled and angry about what’s going on, you need to reconsider your position in the eyes of the world. I was in Eastern Europe last month (these people are more than familiar with illegal detention) and the newspapers and broadcast outlets mention Trump but are laying this on America at large. I am now a Canadian...saves answering a lot of questions for which I have no answers. We are Americans. Trump is an American. We elected Trump. He IS our/your President. Saying he isn’t doesn’t make it not true. They are super interested in the next election. American styled democracy doesn’t carry the shine it once did. There are a lot of “how” and “why” questions. I know how, but, why escapes me. I tell my friends that we’ve learned the cost of taking democracy for granted and I promise we’ll do better next time. But, derp down, I’m not so sure.
7
When these republicans say with a straight face that it's not their responsibility to provide food, and clean housing for immigrants while they are waiting to be processed, it's that fascist mentality that's ingrained in their bourgeoisie capiltilistic ideology! Let's stop with the sweet talk and call these detention centers what they are! Concentration camps! These camps are run to humiliate and degrade folks looking for a better life, and send sinister message to folks trying to cross the border. My tax dollars hard at work!
15
Jewish people need to step up. We need your voice.
13
"For I was a stranger and you did not take me in"... it's amazing how little our Christian country cares for the words and beliefs of Jesus Christ. That's on his hot list of who is going to Hell and why. Not gays. Not women who have abortions. "For I was a stranger and you did not take me in".
15
this biblical citation could very well apply to Americans living homeless (lots) or those citizens without adequate resources (families & singles trying to make it in a rich world country) and falling behind. The pboto op of AOC looks staged and deliberate attempts to annoy the border cops will not produce kindly responses from them. They are probably over worked and underpaid and maybe their reactions are an attempt to stop more people from coming--both migrants and those looking for some free publicity for themselves.
13
@mag2 AOC is one of the bosses of the Border Patrol agents. They shouldn't be deliberately provoking their bosses, if they value long-term job security.
2
@mag2
Good comment. Easy to criticize but the solution is to pay a lot more taxes at every income level. It is reported that each child is costing 750 per day. Everybody complains about all the migrants and how we do not provide for them but when taxes come up no one wants to pay them. And is the military industrial complex more valuable than Honduran and Guatemalan babies? Sure looks like our representatives think so.
2
Dehumanizing people makes mistreating them a hell of a lot easier on the conscience. The Nazis were taught to think of Jews as poison mushrooms. All militaries use this type of propaganda. American troops in WWII were told the Japanese are more ratlike than human. Immigrating Irish were ogres, freed black slaves apes. The "let them drink out of toilets" remark shows that at least some border patrol agents have also taken the plunge into dehumanizing.
14
If we export narco $$$, weapons, economic manipulation of crop prices, corruption and financial interference into central and south America (since they borrowed some money from us), may be we should no be surprised to have a stream of economic and social refugee coming to our border.
De-huminizing refugees is terrible, how can these agents feel so superior to people in there care ? Ignorance ? Is it self hatred for working a miserable job being a cog in an inhuman machine for little pay and reclaiming some power over more de-infranchised people ?
We should feel sorry for both the refugees being abused and the abusers that fell that this is the best job they could get. I doubt anyone becomes a prison guard out of a calling for the job. It tried security guard while in school (because I could do night shift and study) and it "sucks".
9
I believe this is a direct involvement of Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. If we could just get those IRS documents of DJT released we could move away from this issue and on to “Peach 45”.
7
The way in which detainees are being treated is clearly inhumane if what is being reported is accurate. However, I do wonder what was the full motive of this visit by the delegation. Is there some motivation to gain attention by some of these attendees? If seeing humans suffer in deplorable conditions is so gut wrenching and shameful, why don't these folks go and visit some of the low income housing projects that are all over our country. We have an unusually high rate of poverty for such a wealthy nation. What is being done to address that issue? Sadly, this trip reeks of very typical politically motivated grandstanding. Something tells me that AOC has her sights set on a higher office down the road.
8
@Brian Mean and hateful comments from Conservatives prove to me that the America I grew up in; the country of hope and positivity; is dead.
13
I hope AOC has higher aspirations because we need folks like her with a moral vision and courage.
As to your crocodile tears for our own poor shame on you. Whataboutism is the last refuge of the morally and intellectually bankrupt. What are YOU doing about the poor in our housing projects? Who said it’s one or the other?
Final question: where are conservative politicians touring these facilities? They’re are none because they know what’s happening. Plausible deniability.
The reports are accurate. It’s being done in our name. And you’ll do nothing about it other than denigrate the motives of those who are attempting to stop this horror show.
15
The Democrats whom you find so offensively liberal do in fact visit impoverished neighborhoods, and many represent those communities in the House. They also visit homeless shelters and veteran-serving facilities. This visit serves the direct interest of millions of outraged Americans who find these Immigrant Detention facilities unconscionable. Even conservative/Republican NATIVE Americans find these conditions deplorable, and THEIR Reservations were DEFINED in the 19th century by the same terms that the Nazi Party used to define those "work camps" they created for their dispossessed of the 1930s & 1940s. I pray that the most famous dispossessed person, Jesus Christ, help us to see and correct our gross mistreatment of these now-trapped human beings.
8
This whole thing is a trap for the Democrats set by the Republicans and they’re walking right into it. The immigration issue is a winning one for the Republicans and it’s time my party woke up. What they should be doing and Senator Warren has said she would, is go down to Central America to work on the crises that is causing this stream of immigrants. AOC is freshman and it’s showing. A fact-finding mission to Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador are in order not to these disgusting prisons again. Please don’t let Trump win another four years and listen to what the people are saying on this issue.
12
Is it possible both issues be investigated at once? The conditions are happening now. Children denied basic care by government agents who consider them nonhuman. Politics triangulation like you call for ultimately means trump winning or losing is meaningless. If we ignore the immigration debacle because it “plays into the hands of Trump” we’re no better. I say let the deplorables rally. America will either vote them out or we’ll get 4 more years of the nation we deserve. Maybe torturing helpless children is who we really are.
4
@ScottC
Senator Warren blames the crisis on gangs and drugs. The crisis is not about drugs or gangs. It's primarily a decades-old, multi-national conflict over trade. Canadian mining companies in Guatemala, American and European energy companies in Honduras, American Agricultural interests throughout the region (which includes raw materials, seed and fertilizer, coffee, produce, etc.), have wreaked--and are currently wreaking--havoc in the region. To secure our interests, democrats and republicans have provided financial support for corruption and oppression in Honduras (2010), Nicaragua (see the Samozas and the Contras), El Salvador (see Oscar Romero and the civil war of the 1970s and 80s), Guatemala (see the overthrow of Arbenz and the subsequent 36-year Civil War), Venezuela (see the whole kit and kaboodle), Panama, etc.---these are the causes that I very much doubt Senator Warren (or any other candidate) is prepared to address.
For a long time American companies enjoyed a side effect of such havoc: cheap human labor. We put Latin Americans out of business, drove them up to the land of promise, and then enjoyed their cheap labor, while reaping massive profits from their homelands.
In the past three decades we've found a new benefit from Latin America's suffering: political capital. When Elizabeth Warren blames gangs and drugs she's just as guilty as the other candidates (Republican and Democrat) of skirting real problems via sensational secondary problems.
6
@Tad R.
....All of the above, by the way, is to say nothing of the economic advantages we enjoy when Latin America is socio-politically chaotic. Weak Latin American political structures deter Chinese investment, and stunt Brazilian economic growth.
Your favorite politician (regardless of who your favorite politician is) simply will not tell you what they know to be true: we can't have our cake and eat it too--without chaos. Chaos, violence, poverty, oppression, corruption... these are what 'secure our interests' (isn't that a quaint political euphemism?)
5
Considering how much the United States has contributed to the deplorable conditions in some of these Central and South American countries we could, at the very least, try to help their citizens with limited time visas or even granting them asylum. People do not leave countries with young children in tow unless they are terrified for their lives or their children's lives. Doing this, interning them and treating them like criminals simply because they are requesting asylum is contrary to the UN and common sense. We are making enemies by doing this.
How many of us had parents or grandparents or more distant relatives who emigrated here from an unsafe country? We benefitted from that ancestor's decision to come here, legally or not. In fact America benefits from undocumented immigrants labor whether we admit it or not.
If we can't be bothered to treat asylum seekers decently we shouldn't be forcing them to wait at the border. We ought to turn them away and tell them that we're no longer interested in granting them temporary or permanent residence. It wouldn't stop the most desperate but word would spread and the migration might end closer to their home countries.
6
@hen3ry
The only think I agree with you on is the last paragraph. Entering the country illegally is against the law. No matter how poor, they don't have the right to expect to simply walk in and we don't have the obligation to help them in any way, shape or form. We have enough poverty in our own country we need to address.
13
@Pat,
asking the first US representative at the border for asylum is not illegal.
2
Building a wall will help mitigate the issue of overcrowding an poor conditions in detention facilities. A physical barrier is just one method in preventing illegal border crossings which we obviously know is very dangerous. It’s a simple, physical solution that does not judge you on your race, color, sexual orientation etc, will not make fun of you in Facebook posts, and will not abuse children. A more effective long term policy is focusing on economic development in Central American countries to dissuade mass migration.
9
Those of immigrant origins in America that tolerate the inhumanity of these facilities insult their own historical identities and heritage.
The ancestral amnesia is instructive on many levels and it reveals the ease of how humanity is capable of eating its own.
5
Kudos to Pro-Publica! There will come a time for justice and all the CBP agents who violated the law will be held to account.
8
Speaking freely among your fellow peers is not illegal. Those posts might be a little insensitive, but
6
Boris, The comments are not, as you say, “a little insensitive;” they are grossly offensive. So offensive that most publications don’t even want to repeat them. It may not be illegal for these agents to say them, but they likely violate their terms of employment. Certainly, they demonstrate attitudes that are particularly dangerous when held by people in positions of power. And they bring shame on America.
2
Yes, the CBP’s Detention Centers must feel like involuntary detention centers, i.e., jails. And just imagine, by contrast, what it must have felt like without food, water, medicine and without protection from sexual predators, and with hungry uncleaned children and babies in the open fields, at night, with only the sound of movements and screams in the dark for a 1500 mile trek into the Detention Centers at our borders? Imagine what our jails must have felt like to someone so described above who made it to them!
6
This is supposed to make a point? What is the point, here?
@Casey
The point, m’dear Casey, is that our government has to find a way to end the detention of mass migration. When migrants prefer the detention centers to staying in their countries, something is wrong with the migrant countries. There’s also something wrong with us for we are not powerless to end this mass migration. We have the power to ensure that the conditions in the migrant countries, such as El Salvador, do not contribute to mass migration here. As El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele admitted a few months ago in his Parliament address: “People don’t flee their homes because they want to; they flee their homes because they have to...They fled El Salvador, they fled our country (and) it is our fault.” So even the leaders of the migrant countries realize what they must do to end this human tragedy. The causes of the migration are there, not here. And we can help them there, not here.
What Congressional members of the House of Representatives witnessed today, on July 1, 2019 in Clint, Texas at a Border Patrol Facility, is nothing short of crimes against humanity. Children and women have been deprived of sanitation, showers and clean drinkable water; some have been tortured and abused; deprived of medicine.
There is a federal law which prohibits crimes against “aliens” which carries 10 years in prison, and the death penalty for murder of an alien. It is a federal crime for a Border Patrol Agent to abuse immigrants, torture children, sexually assault immigrant women, and murder immigrants without cause. (Title 18 United States Code Section 242, 371).
Perhaps the new Administration in 2021 will enforce it.
7
@AHM California
Funny how you seem to want one law enforced but not another. Crossing the boarder without permission is illegal. As a US citizen I have no obligation to help people just because they show up at my door.
10
It doesn’t sound worse than what our soldiers have to endure when serving as basic recruits or in some overseas deployments. If its good enough for us, its good enough for them who are here illegally.
11
When you come from dirt floors and a leaking roof with no running water or electricity then a detention center must look pretty darn good. These Central American governments should be ashamed!
10
I wish our homeless families in SF could have access to these kind of centers!
9
Every last one of those heckling congressional members and all of those posting on that page in Facebook are fascists. Think about that when you vote.
8
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the situation "a fake crisis at the border."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it "a crisis that does not exist."
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said, "There is no crisis at the border."
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries said, "There is no crisis at the border."
House Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Eliot Engel called the situation "a fake crisis at the border."
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler said, "There is no crisis at the border."
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, said, "We don't have a border crisis."
Rep. Lloyd Doggett called the situation "a phony border crisis."
Rep. Earl Blumenauer called it "a fake crisis at the border."
Rep. Sanford Bishop called it "a crisis that does not exist."
Reps. Jesus Garcia, Jose Serrano, Suzanne Bonamici, Donald Beyer, Pramila Jayapal, and Adriano Espaillat called it a "nonexistent border crisis."
Former congressman and current California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said, "There is no border crisis."
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/byron-york-what-now-for-those-who-denied-a-crisis-at-the-border
19
@Mmm I don't understand? It looks like a crisis at the border. Did a Democrat lie to me?
9
That is a lot of ostriches with their head in the sand! Good grief!
7
Do you have a point to make?
What is it?
It feels like a jail because it is a concentration camp, U. S. style. Given the recent disclosure of the border patrol's secret hate & denigration messages I wonder if we are seeing the nazification of this country?
5
What is happening now at the border is just another indication of our nation lurching toward fascism. Same goes for Trump’s hijacking of the 4th of July celebration In Washington DC. There are so many indications in play that tyranny is afoot, and it appears Trump and his sycophants continue to rend our nations fabric so badly that it will be very difficult to restore.
1
Please international human rights groups..Please investigate and begin actions to shame and punish US violations of international laws
Any member of government from lowly border officer to president should be immediately charged with their crimes
9
That Facebook group is going to be Customs and Border Protection's Abu Ghraib.
Sickening.
7
This conduct does not just break norms, it violates international human rights laws. The ProPublica article was horrific. Every one of these participants should be immediately fired.
This IS what fascists do - dehumanize their captives so that torture and brutality become the norm.
We are no longer respected by the world order or more than half of our own countrymen and women. Shame on this barbaric administration. It all filters down from the top.
If we cannot impeach a president for the criminal conduct laid out in the Mueller report, then shame on us. It will devolve into military parades and nazi flags....
Oh, wait; that is already happening.
11
It’s Democrats that caused this crisis, and it’s Democrats that are making it worse. Before DACA, it was mostly adults crossing the border illegally. They were simply detained and immediately deported. Then Obama opens a Pandora’s Box by issuing DACA, then tens of thousands of unaccompanied child migrants came streaming across the border on 2014 and 2015. Why only children?? Where were the parents? They all thought Obama would let the children stay, even though DACA didn’t apply to them. Jeh Johnson is on video begging parents to stop sending their kids, that DACA doesn’t apply to them. Didn’t matter. They kept coming, and side we don’t deport kids, the Pandora’s box was opened. The child migrants got to stay, the adults got wise, and started dragging their kids with them, asking for asylum. We don’t dpert kids, and certainly aren’t going to deport the parents and keep the kids, so now what? Realizing this gaping hole, they are coming in droves, overloading our facilities. The easiest way is to stop them from stepping foot on US soil. The only way to do that is walls and barriers, not drones and sensors. These family units with kids aren’t scaling existing walls, they are simply walking around them. Make them apply in Mexico or their home country, like every other country in the planet. Democrats are fighting every effort to build barriers, and are incentivizing more to come with policies like sanctuary cities and free healthcare. So to end the madness-vote out Dems.
23
@NYCSurgical:
Not a shred of credible, verifiable data for your fantasy cause and effect. Not a single mention of the historical context behind it or the fact that Republicans have never even tried to punish those, like Trump, who hire undocumented people.
Of course. That's too much truth for the right wing.
15
@NYCSurgical,
the first amnesty for illegal immigrants was declared by a Republican president, which set the precedence.
9
This kind of ridiculous, unhinged screed just plays to the banshees who attend Trump rallies and discredits the entire Republican side. Keep doing it.
6
Democrats have a solution to end these detentions And it is guaranteed to work.
1. Simply legalize all border crossings
2. Oppose all effective border security measures that physically prevent border crossings
3. Grant asylum to anyone for any reason
4. And, of course, offer free health insurance to everyone who comes
It’s called Open Borders Plus.
In 2020, U.S. citizens will get a chance to vote on their plan.
39
@John, fortunately, no candidate would propose such policies. Unfortunately, that won’t stop President Trump from lying about it.
12
John, please identify your source for this. I have heard no one advocate Open Borders.
15
It sure is easy to sound like you're winning an argument when you totally fabricate what the other side is supposedly saying.
20
Why are we even in the business of housing these immigrants? If we cannot meet their needs safely -- and clearly their volume is too high for us to be able to -- we should not permit them to enter our country.
Border problem solved.
33
It's not helping that Ocasio-Cortez makes inflammatory statements in a country already town apart over this issue. Drinking water from toilets? A migrant said that and now everyone is repeating it. It can't be true. Chris Como on CNN said the border security leadership testified before congress 6 times this year about the need for money and facilities but congress but forth no funds until the crisis boiled over. It seems the democrat congress would rather have an issue to campaign than build air conditioned tents, hire judges, or do whatever it takes.
56
@Walker Rowe The contractors doing this are charging the US GOV over $750 A DAY per person for this. A bunch of defense officials, including John Kelly, were awarded a $341 Million dollar no-bid contract for this. A hotel would be cheaper. An apartment would be cheaper. A night at a Trump property would probably be cheaper. These are our tax dollars lining the pockets of private companies. Whatever your feelings about immigration, are we not better than this? Do you feel ripped off?
622
@Walker Rowe
Classic. Don’t blame the perpetrators of the atrocities, blame the people pointing them out.
58
@Walker Rowe
I believe the Congresswoman. I believe the migrants who report these conditions.
They have no reason to fabricate such things.
This is really happening. As hard as it is to believe. Reportedly children have died in these facilities.
The United States of America has really stooped to this.
84
AOC didn't vote for the aid package that would have helped these people. Then she complains about it. The facilities were built under Obama for a certain occupancy. That number has grown exponentially under Trump as people flock to our success.
33
@Barry
Flocking to our success?
More like flocking to the sanctuary city and state magnets Democrats and so-called ‘progressives’ have created complete with nearly-limitless social benefits courtesy of the taxpayer.
Sure beats living in a dirt floor, cinderblock shanty in San Pedro de Sula.
12
@Barry
What the flock? Trump is likely demanding a piece of the action as those terrified they may never get out alive are buying their way to security at any price. Trump is driving up the price. He's his own money spigot for bigoted success!
1
@Barry She's such a hypocrite, just like most Democrats.
4
So everyone in the world wanting to leave their dysfunctional society has the right to illegally enter the US? To live off US taxpayers? Only fools and Democrats can't see how that will end. The US is either a nation with laws and borders or no nation at all. Asylum laws weren't created to facilitate mass migration from the third world. If that's what the Democrats want, let's vote on it.
127
Despite all these horrid conditions, it seems more than 1,000,000 people find them better than where the currently live. But a country needs a border and some immigration plan - we seem to have neither...
46
In 1939 a ship of over 900 Jews fleeing nazi genocide were refused admission to the United States. We have asylum laws today to make sure that this type of hate based on bigotry does not keep desperate people from finding haven in our country. Trump, his supporters and the border patrol are all enforcing an insignificant law of not crossing the border over the much more important law of asylum, just as our country did in 1939.
Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes.
128
We will be voting on it next year. Why are you not complaining about the tremendous underlying reasons for the flight of these people, and our hand in the creation of the dysfunction within their borders. I understand that Americans might not want to delve into subjects like The School of the Americas and the death squads trained by our military, and the damage caused by our financial and lethal support of corrupt governments in Central America, but without that understanding, you will never be able comprehend what drives these families to undertake what for them is an extremely dangerous and life changing odyssey. America has always been a beacon for these unfortunates. It still is.
39
Have the people who are horrified by the conditions in detention centers seen some of the living conditions and homeless people in inner cities? what hypocrisy ! I agree with trump that americans need to focus on helping their citizens first before taking care of the world.
54
@Bemtgen Had my ancestors been of Trump's xenophobic sort, Trump wouldn't be here. Trump cannot claim even one grandparent who was born on this side of the Atlantic.
7
Seriously? We can’t talk about concentration camps on our borders until we solve homelessness? Homeless people are at least free. These are people we have locked in cages and inflicted this treatment on. Oh, and I’ve worked in big city homeless shelters. They have beds and hot meals and showers, and you can leave when you want.
13
Bemtgen,
The problem is that politicians don’t help the homeless but assist the wealthy to financial acme. That is the focus of most of our politicians with some exceptions in the Democratic Party and a rare genus called Republicans.
If Trump and his ilk really were more concerned about fellow Americans, he would not have made tax cuts for the rich.
4
Central American officials are little heard in the US media. What is their government's stance on this exodus?
The countries are not failed states. What measures did they take to break the violence that their citizens cannot endure anymore? Were national emergencies declared over the seeming lack of public security and safety?
7
Violence is not the cause of mass migration but lack of work...you can’t believe the NYT.
3
Greatest democracy in the world. Beacon of freedom on a shining hill. Right? The forty percent who support Trump may think this makes America great but to the rest of the world it looks like weakness - not strength. It is weak to hurt women and children who have no power. America used to lead and be looked up to for its principles, compassion and generosity. Those days are gone.
8
The NYT runs an Op-Ed advocating doxxing Border Patrol Agents. Rationale is to discourage folks from becoming agents. It may be effective at reducing the number people who care and just want to do a good job. It won’t discourage the more extreme folks from applying. And what will we have? An even more isolated, perhaps more extreme Border Patrol.
The Border Patrol is not going away. Folks, do you not see the consequences of demonizing entire groups of people, whether Border Patrol, Republicans (deplorables), Democrats (socialists)? It becomes even more difficult to come together and solve these thorny problems.
As for AOC, she would be much more effective sympathizing with both immigrants and our BP. Imagine how different things would be if she demanded the BP be given the proper resources to do their jobs. But, she really doesn’t want to solve the problem, she wants to pander to drive her own selfish ambitions.
13
BP agents carrying out this atrocity should be held accountable for child neglect at minimum and the Trump regime should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity if there is true justice and concern for the rule of law. Following orders is no excuse.
4
@NJLiberty: the left has as much as promised AOC the Presidency in 2024 or 2028 and it has gone to her pretty head.
Dems and others who believe that we need to provide for as many asylum seekers as possible need to to face the fact that this will be de-stabilizing for the US. Allowing rampant immigration could be sort of like not putting on your own oxygen mask first when it comes to actually creating the political climate necessary solving problems like climate change, and the problem of immigration itself (which is only going to get worse)
GOP folks and others who believe we should keep immigrants from Central America and Muslim countries out, need to face that fact that America is changing demographically. It can't be stopped or reversed. Brown people are here, and they are having babies, marrying other brown people, and black people and white people. The 1950s are over.
6
once they are in detention, are they allowed to leave if they chose to be deported?
If that is the case, except for those separated from their children, why would they not leave immediately if the conditions were so so horrible. Welcome to go home for sure...
10
@Honeybluestar: they came here to steal jobs, and probably spent their savings on this, plus told everyone back home "I'm off to America to steal a job and lead a movie star lifestyle!"
So they can't go back. Also, they just plain WANT to come, they see the US as "a gold mountain of cash and freebies".
1
Border Patrol processing stations have no beds because they are not designed to hold migrants overnight. Migrants typically spend less than 12 hours at the stations before being transferred to long-term detention centers.
On Memorial Day, the Border Patrol appended 2,200 illegal border crossers the El Paso Section, setting an all-time for a single day. The tsunami swamped El Paso Sector station just the Democratic presidential debates were about to start. It produced the overcrowded conditions Democratic candidates rushed to El Paso to deplore, even though the crisis has passed.
Last week, the Clint Station began accepting the return of migrant children it transferred to temporary shelters at the height of the crisis. These children have probably already been transferred to Health and Human Resource childcare centers,
7
@William Case: the left is in a literal feeding frenzy here, like a pack of insane sharks.
If you could prove every child went to a 5 star Ritz Carlton hotel, with room service....the left would scream "what! no mini bar!"
1
Quote from latino pastors (National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, NHCLC), who toured the same facilities, " We found no soiled diapers, no deplorable conditions and no lack of basic necessities."
16
Those observations do not serve the desires of Democrats who want to blame Trump. Therefore they are fake news.
6
Rev Rodriguez “asked border agents if they staged the facility in response to the negative press. “They unequivocally denied it — we were witnessing the identical conditions the attorneys saw when they toured the facility days earlier." So... the lawyers, the immigrants, and our congress men and women are lying but the border agents are telling the truth. Got it.
"... the lawmakers’ emotional descriptions were almost completely drowned out by vulgar and racist heckling from a handful of protesters, some carrying Trump 2020 banners and posters ... "
By their words and actions Trump, they tell us who they are. For the sake of the soul of the nation, we will hold them accountable no matter how long that takes. The Trump administration is simply lying: the conditions described here are brutal, squalid, intentionally abusive. Good lord. ICE scolded lawmakers for showing affection? This administration is committing crimes against humanity on the southern border, according to the Rome statute: torture, slave labor, wrongful imprisonment, dehumanization, prejudicial actions based on race, extrajudicial punishment. What else is ripping infants and children from families but torture? Under threats of no medicine, insufficient food, maltreatment, they are forced to work for $1/day. If that isn't slave labor, what is? Most of them are legal applicants for asylum and yet they have been imprisoned in these horrific places, without their children, in justified fear:
"... grandmothers and a young pregnant woman — sharing cells, some sobbing from fear of retribution from the guards for sharing their stories."
3
I heard that Trump is going to build one of his Iconic hotels on the border and charge the government something less that the $750 per day it cost now to house the illegals. Contract price includes free mini bar and wi-fi.
3
Trump was given billions to build and improve facilities and improve living conditions. I hope that he doesn’t settle for anything less than Marriott level accommodations. There should be nice exercise rooms, swimming pools, and beautiful dining rooms. I wonder if Democrats will complain about wasting money.
2
Since for-profit prison companies are running this show, conditions will stay pretty much the same as the execs of said companies buy themselves a new winter house in Vail.
Line 1: "Women held in rooms without running water"
The above is an example of pure journalistic propaganda.
The majority of photo's from these detention centers show plentiful amounts of water. It is the kind of water that Americans drink quite often as a superior choice to "running" water. It is known as "bottled" water.
The fact that these units don't have "running" water in every single holding cell is indicative of a plumbing issue....not a thirst issue.
16
Pick a side - you are either against traumatizing children, a gross abuse of human rights, or you are in favor of it. Unlike most political issues this one really is a simple black and white distinction.
2
@Mike M
you can be in favor of the truth. YES Trump and cronies are xenophobic racist
pgs. But that does not make lying about conditions to make things more dramatic any better. Lying
is lying, the very very tragic man who died in the river with his child was not in
US detention.He made a terrible fatal
decision- and his family is crystal clear as per the NYT) that he wanted to some to make enough money to
build a house back home....that is NOT on US hands.
2
Unannounced visits of these detention centers should be routine to ensure these detainees are treated humanely.
Congress (especially Elizabeth Warren) should work on a plan for reuniting families AND for deterring the massive influx of new immigrants.
The problem seems to be that "coyotes" who get paid to transport these migrants are inciting new asylum seekers (business) by advising they'd better go now to America before Trump closes the borders.
Trump loves to threaten...
Why can't Trump threaten to withhold aid to these countries unless their governments make widespread counter announcements that aslyum seeking is an almost impossible option anymore in the U.S.
3
The crisis isn’t these desperate people seeking to escape violence and poverty and subjecting themselves to these horrific conditions in order to save their lives, or the ludicrous accusation the Dems won’t allow the Republicans to help them. The crisis is the utter lack of morality and compassion of Trump and his hate-cult who vomited him into office, evident in their comments below.
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s mistake was thinking the she could appeal to the decency of Trump supporters, when it’s been obvious for years they have none.
6
@Mexican Gray Wolf, well said, I couldn’t agree more. Xenophobia and hate are the opposite of everything that our country stands for. The rotten head of the fish of this administration and those that enable it as well as those that do not speak up against it should be held accountable.
3
Seems a little ironical that many people who are grandstanding about the appalling conditions at the border concentration camps are perfectly fine with those conditions at our virtually every one of our prisons. But then they house criminals, not humans.
6
A tweet written by AOC from last year: “Not only must we abolish for-profit prisons, but corporations are attempting to monetize services within state prisons as well, often at the expense of families.
Companies selling $30 video chats and catalog goods are lobbying to phase out family visitation & care packages”
Most democrats are for prison reform as well as immigration reform.
On this inhumane treatment: In 1916 an American man by the name of Madison Grant wrote The Passing of the Great Race, a book about the coming "white genocide" (the more things change the more they stay the same). Who would come to lean on this book so much as to call it his 'bible'? An impressionable Adolf Hitler of Germany. When it comes to white supremacy, you get it from those who know it best. Perhaps the Germans of the 1930s and 40s just took American concepts and added their signature German work ethic and efficiency. Be afraid when this cultural exchange works the other way, some 70+ years later.
2
The Republicans have successfully drawn the Democrats deep into a wedge issue where there are deeply held opinions on both sides of the issue within the Democratic party. Nobody will support treating children poorly, wherever they are born, but the singular focus on immigration politics is a losing issue for the Democrats. Most people do not support these attempts at immigration on the Southern border. A winning play would be to focus on the structural issues in Latin America that are driving the northward immigration. Or a winning play would be to immediately invest and pass legislation that would support immediate on the boarder screening of these asylum claims. Or better yet, focus on the citizens who are struggling in this country. The party has been drawn into an issue that will lose the next presidential election.
10
@Ben P
Why do you understand this and the Democrats don't?
AOC is a walking, talking poster for the Trump re-election campaign. Every time she gets her name in the paper and her face on television people are deciding not just to vote for Trump but to vote Republican down the line. She is an absolute nightmare for the Democratic Party. The only person, who seems to understand this is Pelosi.
13
Fair balance would require a few quotes from Republicans who made the trip, but none attended, indicating that trying to improve matters was not the intent of these representatives. Since AOC's mind was already made up before the visit, these reports seem overtly political and self-serving. Perhaps inviting representatives from both sides of the aisle would have been more convincing, that is if AOC really was trying to accomplish anything for these potential immigrants beside grabbing more headlines.
12
It’s AOC’s fault that republican congressmen decided not to go? Republicans read about the same horror stories from the lawyers who blew the whistle. Why don’t they care enough to make the trip?
Let's be real, a "detention facility" is a jail and what this congressional delegation saw is common to many of America's jails. Just ask Sandra Blaind's parents.
Human rights law along and our own domestic laws require better than this. But the real issue is how do we reform our immigration laws?
Trump, for all his bellicose ranting failed to put forth a new immigration law when he and the GOP controlled congress. Americans need to be reminded of this.
The Dem's now need to do more than fund better "jail" conditions. They need to address the real issues, which include the Dream Act, pathways to citizenship for undocumented persons already living here and a workable guest worker program.
They need to bring our asylum laws in line with international human rights law and be willing to say we do not yet support "open borders."
But these measures require courage because they will offend and disappoint some. They require analysis, use of experts and the ability to transform some of this justified indignation into legislation.
In other words, it requires leadership and the ability to govern beyond partisan politics. Are the Democrats up to it?
4
The staged photos of AOC gasping in horror...
at an empty parking lot were quite revealing.
12
It’s all staged. They’re trying to spin the narrative and energize the democratic base. I have come to expect nothing less from the NYT.
4
Has anyone noticed that Obama deported more people at this time in his presidency? With none of the fuss?
What we are seeing is incompetence on a grand scale. Offices empty of appointments to do the job.
The chaos is part of the show for the knuckle draggers.
They can’t do it so it can’t be done.
6
Everything about Trump is self-serving lies.
Does his base really think Trump cares about cheap laborers sneaking across the border? For decades, he employed illegal aliens at his clubs, casinos and building sites. Only this year, at great risk to themselves, several of them came forward to say they'd been working for him for years and he knew it.
(Check out the first 400 synonyms for “base” here: https://www.powerthesaurus.org/base/synonyms)
How about abortion? We know from Stormy that he didn't use condoms. How many abortions did his girlfriends have?
Follow the money. There lies the key to his motivation.
All this vicious chaos is just him playing to the suckers.
5
"All types of Jews want to end the detention," Weimer told Newsweek, noting that many protests are primarily attended by more left-leaning, secular individuals but 20 students from the Yeshivat had attended the protest. "They don't want their activist selves and religious selves to be bifurcated."
Weimer described migrants' detention conditions, which prisoners of the Taliban and pirates have said are worse than those they were kept under, as a motivating force to engage Jews who are sometimes hesitant to engage in public political action.
With that momentum behind them, the organizers are planning additional actions across the country in coming weeks.
https://www.newsweek.com/over-30-jewish-protesters-arrested-after-blocking-access-ice-facility-1446751
1
Let us not forget that Texas was once part of Spanish speaking Mexico before migrants from El Norte invaded the land and fought (Remember the Alamo) to make the former Mexican province "independent" and then part of the glorious, segregated South. Maybe all these migrants will return Texas to Mexico.
2
I don't know about those trying to get in at the border, but it seems that AOC is getting a free ride.
6
So the Democrats, who have caused our present border problems by neither funding nor supporting the very sanctity of our national border, are now complaining about conditions caused by increased numbers of illegal aliens. Sorry folks, but the blame game doesn't work here despite slanted news media support. The very vehemence of the Hate Trump publicity on this issue is being exposed daily and the mass recognition of it will pay off in 2020 with a Republican repeat victory.
12
Couldn’t agree more. Well said.
6
The Border Patrol might not be happy with Congress but the most of us are not happy with the Border Patrol. What can possess these guards to act like the SS? Their cruelty and lack of humanity were very much on display in the Facebook posts revealed by our free press. Do these officers not know that when they insult our representatives they are spitting in the face of the American people? The American government needs to close all of these concentration camps and release the tortured human souls that populate them.
2
Corey Booker is simply reintroducing the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, which he first sponsored in 2017. The act is designed to make enforcing laws against illegal immigration even more difficult to enforce than they already are. For example, it would “ensure all immigrants receive individualized and fair bond hearings by ending the use of mandatory detention of certain immigrants and requiring DHS to establish probable cause of removability within 48 hours of detention.”
Immigration courts already have a million-case backlog and deportation hearings are now scheduled up to five years in the future. And the number of illegal border crossings is expected to exceed one million this year.
What we need is reform that make decisions made by Customs and Border Protection officials at Border Patrol processing stations final, just as they are final at legal ports of entry. CBP officials turn back “inadmissible” at ports entry with without judicial hearings; they should also be able to turn back illegal border crossers without a court order.
Persons who enter the country legally but overstay their visas do not get judicial hearings when they are ordered out of the country, why should illegal border crossers get them?
11
Interesting that Times newspaper shows AOC touring the facilities where children of migrants r being held on the same day New York Post ran an article by a Nazi death camp survivor, Ed Mosberg, who lost his entire family in the Holocaust, and heads a group called From The Depths, declaring that AOC deserved the "Nobel Prize for Stupidity"for using the words "concentration camps"as if the 2 were comparable. Mosberg added that it was an improper thing to say, and called her anti Semitic. He also offered to accompany her on a tour of the camps where his family perished. AOC turned him down, changed the subject to talk about Steve King, as if King had something to do with her ill chosen words. But 1 senses a soupcon of anti Semitism in the progressive wing of the Dem. Party, exemplified by AOC and her colleague, Ilhan Omar, which is neither moral nor good politics.Missteps like these, and refusal of the Party to condemn them will simply increase the vote total next year in the general election for Trump.
11
Vote for a racist hate-monger and you have unleashed the disgusting reality we are now witnessing. If a Democrat does not take back the White House in 2020 my family will leave this country, post haste. Why? Because it has been soiled by Trump and his loyal followers and turned into an unrecognizable pit. I need my child to grow up in a place where hate and ugliness is not the order of the day. I'm not a religious man, but may God forgive all those who support this sick individual who squats in the White House.
7
Democrats encourage illegals, and then blame President Trump for conditions they have created. They are hypocrites.
12
lol- the dems refuse, for 2 years, to give more money to the border, regradless of what ICE has been begging, since they despise trump...then they bemoan the conditions there.
you cant make this stuff up... just awful, awful leadership here by the house
10
Previously, the democrat (and republican) congress gave billions to the border. Just not for Trump’s wall. The Trump administration used it all to repair fencing. In May, Democrats put forward a bill to specifically add more judges so people can have their claims processed more quickly as well as addressing the problems that are causing the uptick in migration.
(1) stepped-up financial assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to mitigate the violence and extreme poverty feeding the migrant upsurge; (2) enhanced opportunities to apply for U.S. asylum while in Central America or Mexico, making the border trip unnecessary; (3) increased resources, including a lot more immigration judges, for adjudicating asylum petitions; and (4) more protections for children, including increased penalties for trafficking them, and adult sponsors for those who are unaccompanied.
But the Trump administration prefers to be cruel to the asylum seekers as a deterrent to migration. And look how well it’s worked! More illegal border crossings in the past year than in a decade. Trump’s Retoric has caused panic amongst those in the southern triad, that the borders will soon be permanently closed. People who where on the fence about migrating, rush to make the trip. We should instead be giving these folks hope that their countries can change. And those who are truly in danger can be protected either at our embassies or allowed asylum.
3
I am so glad I found your comment while I was writing almost the same thing. This is the real issue!
1
Shameless in America.
3
This is america - unvarnished - nothing to brag about either -
4
“Reasonable Republicans” spent decades quibbling over immigration legislation. Now their party has fallen to this. The result of their unending bad-faith intransigence is these concentration camps.
1
Unbelievable. What is it supposed to feel like? A hotel? The country's thinking is way out of line if care about a bunch of illegals than our own.
10
So why not take some home with you, complainers! Do something beside faux tears in your 30 second sound bites. We voters know who is trying, despite you all, to restore our broken border security!
8
If I agreed to take a migrant family into my home, do you think they would be released? Because that’s called catch and release. Before Trump, families were released into the US to stay with friends and family till their asylum claim could be heard. Why not slap on some ankle bracelets to ensure people show up at their hearings? Wouldn’t you rather pay $7 a day per person vs $700? But that would ruin Trump’s “deterrent” of taking children from families and forcing men into facilities where they don’t even have room to lay down, where bright neon lights are on 24/7 and you have over 100 people using one toilet.
$700 a day and these ladies are forced to drink toilet water. Wonder who’s pocketing the extra money? These centers are run by FOR PROFIT prison companies. These companies are making BILLIONS of dollars in profits. Wonder who how much they’ve given to Trump’s re-election? Look it up. One hand grease the other. It’s disgusting.
2
How about a Nuremberg trial for Stephen Miller?
3
There are dozens of separate and distinct problems associated with immigration (immigrant treatment, asylum, border control, enforcement, gangs, drugs, violence, dreamers, etc.).
Every one of these issues is complex, and interwoven with the others.
But what no one is really recognizing is that the true causes of all immigration issues, not just here but around the world, are the result of refugee crises.
Sometimes the cause is war or racial inequity. Sometimes its plain and simple poverty. But often, these are later manifestations of a more common, root cause.
There has been an increase in refugees around the globe in recent decades. Most of them can be traced to climate change.
Pressure on food and water resources is driving migration. It's causing famine (see Syria, 2006-2009) and water shortages (see India, 2019), which in turn causes wars and conflict, and eventually migration.
Much of the problem in Central America stems from poverty and gangs, but even that is bearable until you can no longer eat, and climate change is beginning to seriously impact the food supply in Central America.
So what do we do? Ignore climate change.
It's like going to chemotherapy and refusing to give up your cigarette habit. It's insane.
We do need to address the individual issues as best we can, and there will be wildly differing opinions on how to do so. But I think everyone can agree that if we could more effectively address the root causes, that's the right place to start.
5
Will the NYT (which I have read daily for 53 years) report that Hispanic Pastors toured the facility after AOC and other lawmakers left and found the exact opposite of AOC's finding. they found the facilities clean and there was no lack of personal supplies.
18
I have a simple question for the democratic candidates. What exactly is the consequence they are proposing for people coming to the country illegally?
15
This is yet another embarrassing example of how degraded the Republican leadership and its supporters have become. I'm amazed that anyone would still attempt to cross into this country illegally from south of the border. It's a testament to how deplorable economic and political conditions are in Central America that immigrants would choose our current corrupt and morally bankrupt Republican system of government.
2
When the DMV here in California gets backed up with people wanting their licenses to drive the State doesn't just wave the requirement so that anybody can suddenly drive in the state without one. My experience has been that they just let the lines wrap longer around the building a few more times or they set up an appointment system and most people deal with it an schedule one. I see no reason why there shouldn't be some sort of accommodation that can be made for this as well without people resorting to Nazi concentration comparisons to use the situation as partisan political fodder for them.
5
Congress has done little over the decades since President Clinton said we needed secure borders from illegal alien entry. Congressmen are using the detention centers for political purposes. They could care less about illegals, except when they can get them registered to vote.
7
All this while agri-business exploits undocumented immigrants for cheap labor. Exceptional American hypocrisy.
1
Put everyone of those MAGA believers in the detention center for 50 days, deny them what has been denied to the children and women and men in that center and then let's hear what they have to say.
2
I believe that what normal, compassionate people don't understand is a ruthless, control-by-domination, white supremacists' mentality (as difficult to realize especially when put that way). I've heard and read remarks by the latter group such that I would expect comments in this case to include joy over the free publicity, in addition to blaming the victims, of course. Those Social Darwinists particularly located in the Republican Party (so-called now) would react to these declarations of horror by saying and asking, "Hey, it's working! What other kind of message do you want to discourage those people from even trying to get in here? Humanitarian aid? Let those irresponsible parents be put off, go and stay away if they know what's really good for them." Yes, disgusting but there you have that "base" of the Cult of Trump Personality, with the latest especially revealed in the ProPublica report to naive people like nice lady, traditional politician Pelosi. May the majority of citizens who are eligible voters and have been found to be disgusted by this Cult and its leader at least get out and actually exercise that bulwark of Democracy--please! A sign of such in the record turnout in the 2018 election (with some very welcome, humane results such as AOC) has given some hope.
1
What is sycophant Stephen Miller's role in crafting these inhuman conditions? Given Miller's long-documented hatred for immigrants (ironic, as his family also immigranted here), that he has somehow managed to survive not getting fired, and that he has far-right sympathies, I see his hand all over this debacle.
4
Bad behavior on the part of the Border Patrol officers who posted those demeaning comments. They should be disciplined.
The Congress sees the problem as underfunding and it’s the fault of all of the Congress as well as of the President. There is ample evidence that the President wanted this mess until he had, then it looked worse than he expected. But the Congress was more focused on making sure that the President would not redirect funds meant to care for the people into building his, ‘Keep out, You are not welcome, here’, wall. Deal with the problem not your fears, Congress.
Ocasio-Cortez has been demonizing everyone who enforces the laws, implying that they are all as bad as Nazis. While she can be an intelligent critic, in this case she’s so hostile that she is just too mad to contribute anything useful. When you hector people, there is a good chance they will retaliate.
1
The US are on a fast train to fascism. And the liberal opposition is largely playing it’s customary historical role of hoping it all just goes away. Thanks are due to the brave and committed members of congress who won’t stand for it and are determined to make people take notice. Nobody will be able to claim “we didn’t know” afterwards.
2
It should feel like a jail. Crossing the border illegally is a crime. These people should be locked up until they are deported, not released into the general population.
8
Suddenly a lot of Trump supporters on this site. Defending the indefensible. Making excuses. Blaming the victims and their champions. I cannot belief so many of my fellow Americans are so ignorant and cruel.
5
@Kurt
I know, right? There are so many, it makes me wonder if they’re for real.
2
Our new, young leader of Congress, the occasionally correct Representative Ocasio-Cortez, has prevented Amazon from opening in New York City, stopping a 5 billion dollar capital investment to build the new headquarters, 25,000 $100,000+ per year new jobs, a multi-billion dollar infusion of real estate investment and business expansion, and 25 billion dollars in new tax revenue over the next ten years, so the city could give Amazon’s initial 3 billion dollar tax deduction to the poor. That money is tax relief, which will be paid back many times over, not cash. It does not actually exist.
She shows us the way to salvation, her Green New Deal. It eliminates all fossil fuels. But ships and planes cannot be powered by electricity (The extension cords are too long). Air travel ends. The agony of a 6 hour jet flight becomes a delightful 6 day train trip. Forget visiting Hawaii. Sea transport ends, except by sailing ships; the dictatorship of global trade ends. And it grounds the US Navy and our military planes. We lose World War III and our freedom forever without firing a shot.
She assures us that VA medicine, which keeps patients waiting for treatment for months until they die untreated, is the best in the world.
And now, Representative Occasionally Correct says US prisoners are “forced to drink from the toilet.”
We must believe this true genius serving her constituents.
7
The Honorable Ocasio-Cortez gets a lot of mileage on emotional displays. She is intelligent but inexperienced. She cannot see the whole picture with any clarity. But remember, she defeated a well respected liberal. Her constituents approve of what she is doing.
2
@Casual Observer
God help them.
This sort of treatment of ANY human beings, let alone children, makes me sick. What a disgrace to the United States. This has nothing to do with controlling borders, funding or good faith attempts to solve any real world problems. It has everything to do with racism, used by Trump and the GOP to distract white middle-class and poor Americans from their ever-increasing exploitation by the gilded class.
It actually began after 9/11, when we decided that Muslims aren’t human enough to deserve the protections of our Constitution, laws or the Geneva Conventions. Small leap from there to Central American migrants - hey, they’re all brown people.
And this will get worse, as Trump and his hatchet guy Stephen Miller avoid anything that could actually help lessen the flow of refugees (like addressing environmental devastation in countries of origin) while escalating their encouragement of violence. Like every wannabe dictator, Trump wants chaos, not solutions.
We have seen the rise of fascism in enough countries to know exactly what it looks like. Resist it here for all you’re worth, while we still have time. Donate, organize, volunteer, vote.
1
“Democrats don’t want open borders!”
*criticizes border patrol agents mercilessly*
What would democrats do, exactly, if all border control agents went on strike and walked away? Would AOC fill in?
5
The Democrats are being so Orwellian here saying they are not for open borders. If it quacks like a duck and walks like one, it's a duck. No amount of 2+2=5 will change that.
10
These phonies are just pushing more voters and contributors to the President. Keep it up aoc,
4
I'll try to summarize the Brown White issue in Tejas. As a 6th generation Texan this is how it plays. Half the family is for Trump and the other NOT. Half the family has Latino roots. Yes half my family are racist and quietly proud of it. They see no one from that other side. They repeatedly say that that was their choice to marry outside of race. It's still 1850 in Texas. Racism has to die off. But wait, racism, now is about culture, don't ya know. They want to bring it back. God help us all.
Do any of these self-righteous people ever stop to think about the In-humanity back in Central America that drove these people to our borders???
If they do,,,,its only long enough to come up with the pretzel logic that says its also the Americans fault.
Central America has had a brutal history since the Days of Maya.......the problem is Guatamala and HOnduras.....its not the USA.
The first mistake the USA made was when United Fruit Company got angry because Jacobo Arbenz wanted an extra 20% cut, 1954. UP to that point United Fruit ran the place WAYYYY better than the locals did.
3
If they are lucky, they will be released into the US, travel to a large Dem run city, and take up residence under a bridge, in a cardboard box or, if lucky, in an even grubbier than the detention center tent city. Or maybe the 63,000,000 people who voted for Hillary rather than the despicable Trump will show their goodness by inviting the immigrants in to their homes. But that is as likely to happen as it is that Bernie will donate the additional federal tax to the US (or some pro-immigrant charity) to reach his 70% millionaire tax rate.
6
I continue to lose faith in my fellow Americans when I see the stupid things that they post on Facebook. It is a lot different saying these things face to face during a conversation than posting them on Facebook for the world to see. Context can be everything
There are a lot of thoughts that should never be put in writing.
1
It is sad to see so many comments attacking the Border Patrol and ICE for doing the job that we ask them to do, to protect us and deal with this invasion of our border. This is not a "Trump" problem. The faux outrage is indicative of those who believe that we owe the rest of the world free passage into our country, free health care and free college. The cost to citizens is not even a part of the calculation of those that would rule over us. How sad!
7
If these conditions are worse than their home countries. I expect the illegals will either stay home or seek amnesty in some European socialist country. After all, if these low skilled workers are such a blessing then America should allow other countries to benefit from these “blessings”.
I have a J.D. and an M.B.A. so low skilled workers are not any direct threat to me or my family. However, I do not believe that fellow Americans (who the government owes a responsibility too) should be passed over because limited resources are used for non-citizens.
5
Congress appropriated emergency funding just last week for the border. Again the Democrats are complicit- stop feeding this beast when nobody cares about anything humanitarian
2
Where are the headlines:
Both parties in congress do nothing and take money to pad their purses.
Congress stalls to steal while citizens pay.
Democrats launder campaign money to cronies.
Media complicit in mass messaging mess.
4
Trump - the man who was endorsed in 2016 by only 2016, i.e.,
1) The National Enquirer; and
2) The "Crusader" - which is the KKK's newspapers.
And Trump's base?
Answer: The people who actually read those two newspapers and consider them as "real" news.
2
Let me get this straight - members of Congress, the elected representatives of the American people, are told not to talk to migrants being held in concentration camps. Who is telling them this? ICE agents.
Uh, no! This is not "Making America Great Again"; this isn't "winning". This is ugly and un-American. Let's just put a huge tarp over the Statue of Liberty until we vote this horrible man, Trump, out of office.
2
Such Orwellian double speak. Imagine the NYT and the controlled media calling drug dealers as unlicensed pharmacists. These are not immigrants or migrants. They’re interlopers, lawbreakers, or even invaders. Incarcerated US citizens suffer in horrendous conditions in jails and prisons across the country. But the focus of AOC and the controlled media is on “migrants”. No civilized sovereign country would stand for this borderless suicide policy, but the Democrats don’t care about destroying the US.
12
The Republican Party has given us a time machine to Germany in the 1930s. We can see for ourselves, even in the comments of the NYT, how a party can manipulate hate for people different from themselves, into atrocities.
People who cheer the denial of human rights, even for children?? There are no adequate words.
There is nothing to celebrate here. Not anymore.
1
I had such high hopes when she got elected. But now... she bungled the Amazon thing. Twenty five thousand jobs, gone, whoosh. Sounds like a teenager when she talks. One finds one's eyes rolling involuntarily. We thought at first, ah, a young legislatively minded RBG maybe, great! Instead... AOC is slowly turning into Evita Peron.
7
Huh? If you do something illegal shouldn’t it be jail?
7
Bought and paid for by the Committee to Re-elect Donald Trump.
Make America Great Again!
4
I doubt Ms ('concentration camp') Ocasio-Cortez is describing the overall situation accurately. Ditto for Mr Kennedy.
6
Ditto reveals a lot.
Why doesn't the NYT report on the members of a secret Facebook group for current and former Border Patrol agents who joked about the deaths of migrants, discussed throwing burritos at Latino members of Congress visiting a detention facility in Texas on Monday and posted a sexually explicit illustration of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The group has roughly 9,500 members.
1
Tactics taken from the Abu Ghraib play book.
2
Even the youngest detainee has more positive American values than...
... DJT and his supporters in Border Patrol.
2
Where are the CongressMEN? Or do they consider this a ‘women’s issue’, too?
1
I agree the conditions are horrible, and measures can be taken to improve on them. However, dems need to think about 2020, and this visit will not help them. It may be a surprise to many, but Americans don’t care about conditions in which people who are caught crossing illegally into our country are being detained in. They are concerned about they’re own economic interests, and growing income inequality. AOC should be touring her own districts and working on empowering her own constituents. Amazon jobs would have mobilized thousands of people, including some living in her districts. CBP should provide basic needs, take measures to prevent transmission and spread of disease, and protect the children that have been placed in this precarious situation by their parents, relatives, smugglers, traffickers, etc.
10
Americans with integrity care about how their country treats people, and they are glad they have lawmakers trying to fight the good fight. But for the grace of God there go I.
1
@Elli
Good luck in 2020
2
If the Republicans didn't pay for this trip for AOC and her cadre; they should have. This is very good for Democratic base but not so good for the independents who are on the fence.
If it comes out that AOC has an offshore account in her abuela's name funded by some right-wing conservative group; I am not going to be surprised.
5
Overall, nobody should be treated inhumanely. We should love our neighbors. At minimum means taking care of them enough to give them the minimums they need to live and operate.
I'd like to see our leaders get their hands dirty and their wallets out and act as if they were leaders and serve to fix this problem. There is only so much that yelling into a microphone or phone or social media will do, and that usually isn't much.
Imagine the members of Congress, all 535 of them, going to serve people and work for people like leaders are actually supposed to do. That's what we should be looking for in leaders for our country.
Now for reality’s sake, let us take this whole thing down to a micro level. Imagine there are hundreds of people that knock on your door every day looking for a better opportunity because from the outside it looks like you have good things going on at your house. There is good food, a big piece of land, etc. How do you handle that situation? This is much more nuanced than one side being good and the other being bad.
2
Aren't members of Congress in Congress to make laws to help the people who voted them in? Or are these members doing a bit of grandstanding and looking for another photo op and making speeches in hopes of building support for reelection? Well, to that point, isn't that what all members do? So I guess they learned fast. I suppose their effort here do bring attention to conditions on the borders, which is laudable, but there are other issues at the borders such as the contaminations from Mexico poisoning our country's beaches and water supplies. Maybe they might look into these as well? But so doing probably won't bring them the headlines in the NY Times. Never mind.
2
They absolutely should be visiting those sites and holding people accountable. That is their job.
@Mathias
I believe members of Congress are voted in to make laws, not to enforce them. But perhaps drawing attention to key issues (as well as making sure laws are properly enforced) may well be within their purview. But does it seem they really work harder at drawing attention to themselves? Doing the right thing for the wrong reason is still a sin (according to John Milton, if one reads Paradise Lost. Then again, maybe we have lost paradise. Maybe is was only a dream lost in a book anyway). Don't let it get to you, don't worry about politicians for while. Go out and do something unexpected and nice for someone you love. You'll feel better for it regardless of the reason.
America has faced challenges before and there are times when American policy has left us wondering whether we chose the right path. But this current situation is far beyond our ability to fathom as Americans. It's downright reprehensible. Future generations will point to this period in history as the time, under a fascist leader and a complicit cohort, when America truly lost its way and succumbed to an evil autocrat. It's demoralizing, depressing, and patently sickening what Trump has done to this country. What is equally horrendous is that an entire political party — the GOP — stood by and applauded, even encouraged, the atrocities that Trump has committed. I thought we were better than this. Perhaps not; this is the best we can do as a nation. This is unforgivable.
3
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has never met a camera she didn't love.
8
Ora right winger that didn’t want to smear her.
3
@Mathias She makes it easy for them, alas. Look, I am a registered Democrat. I want my party to be taken seriously. How about AOC visits some poor people in her own district? I live in a poor and violent American city. I literally cannot walk out my door without crossing paths with heroin addicts who haunt my streets like zombies. This is a street on which American children are growing up. When AOC and her team care about people like me and my neighbors, and not constantly fob us off with excuses, that will make mockery more difficult, and a candidate who can defeat Trump more electable.
3
Immigrants have always taken the jobs that the generation of immigrants who came before them had left behind as they moved up the economic and social ladder, wIth the deplorable exception of slave laborers, who had no choice.
The Irish were among the first immigrant group who were spat upon, who then spat upon the Italians who took over their jobs, who then spat upon the Latinos, (mostly metaphorically speaking).
Fear is what makes many so cruel, unfounded fear, that someone will take something that belongs to them. Where would this country be without the sweat and labor of immigrants. Certainly not the great country that we have the potential to become once more when the despicale human being who unbelievably hold the office of President is gone, and himself in one of the cages he has assigned to those who are fleeing terror.
2
Democrats will lose the 2020 election if they keep pandering for illegal immigration and open borders, opportunistically finger pointing at Trump and the GOP over a problem Obama also struggled with and which, overall, LBJ and the left leaning Democrats - Ted Kennedy - created by repealing the fully functioning existing U.S. immigration law in 1965 for the current dysfunctional U.S. immigration law that's been a disaster ever since, for 55 years now.
7
I am regretfully starting to get used to four more of Trump. The Democrats have so blown the positioning on this topic that we lost already.
After AOC’s publicity tour of the border. Invite her to some of the inner cities of the Midwest that have been devastated by economic neglect. I would like to hear her plan for how to fix that as well.
Also, am I missing something? Who sends kids alone on a walk through Mexico to cross the border and how are kids eligible for asylum when they cross the border?
Please solutions not tears and outrage for the photo shoots.
12
Desperate people, who want desperately to give their children a better option than certain death send their children, with hope and prayers God will protect them on the journey. Would you criticize desperate people who handed their children over to strangers with means to travel during WWII in am effort to save them from concentration camps? Maybe you would. But for the grace of God there go I.
1
So where is first daughter in this Trump catastrophe?
Didn't she appoint herself an "Advocate for Children" at the very beginning of Trump's reign of terror?
What? only her own children?
5
@JM she’s gearing up to run for POTUS in 2024
1
Ocasio is all about photo ops. Her votes show she don't care about humanitarian aid for refugees or border protection.
6
Trump and his administration are not only bad leaders, they are bad people. Good people do not treat other people in this way.
And, trump supporters who act like they did to the visiting congress-women, they are no better.
We are better than this - We are better than trump
2
These economic migrants had thousands of dollars to pay traffickers. They could have started small businesses or joint forces to start larger ones or organized to fight back. They chose to overcome our borders and break our laws. They knew exactly what they were doing and played our hearts and generosity like a fiddle. They are entirely responsible for what happened to them and their children. They have even managed to pit Americans against each other at the highest levels of our government. I am sick and tired of having to deal with other people's fabricated problems. charity begins at home.
10
They should be in jail. Unless I get free citizenship into Japan or Singapore just by showing up, then we're even.
Why do we want to treat these people better than our own homeless citizens? Where was this $4 billion lying around for affordable housing initiatives?
12
That's how it should feel. They broke the law.
7
It's time for some courageous border patrol officer to say, "We can't do this to our neighboring human beings, whatever their age. I'm opening the gates. Parents and responsible people, no one else, will be alerted and hotels rooms available for a night of transition, including showers, for all." This is my dream. We simply can't continue in this abuse and continue to call ourselves "One nation under God." No God I've ever been introduced to would sanction such cruelty.
3
This is just Trump looking for an issue that would take the heat off the Trump administration and keep us hating others, not Trump.
3
Let them in! Give the asylum seekers a free electric car, a service dog and a new home... I don't care anymore.
5
This country has become unrecognizable. It's not just Trump. It's also those who do his bidding and who show no moral compass.
4
I used to think United States Citizens were better than this. Now I grieve because they are not. Reading some first person accounts of what they faced in Guatemala, Honduras and Venezuela, I wondered what we could do to help them. Eight people were killed by gangs in one day. I wish we were the compassionate people I used to think we were. The atrocities in the concentration camps and the social media posts show us how close we are to starting genocide. We should be thinking of ways to free them from the gangs and drug cartels instead of punishing them for being Brown people.
3
I believe much of this is exaggeration and hyperbole by the radical left led by AOC to score political points against the Trump Administration. Once the election is over and Trump is re-elected to another term all of this hoop-la will go away. Just be patient, America, just be patience. In the meantime, keep Making America Great Again and Keep America Great! Thank you.
9
There are people in NYC sleeping on roads. These people are US citizens. Homeless people are not in USA by choice. They didn't came by Caravan, most of them were born here. Who is going to take care of these people? Our representatives are too busy to take care of people who illegally crossed the border. Empathy is one thing, but first we need to bring our own house to order.
8
Because there are homeless people in the world doesn’t justify the hostility or mistreatment if people migrating to the US for whatever the reasons are.
2
Seven hundred and fifty a day to care for an immigrant? More outrageous government bloat and cronyism. Invite a group of PTA stalwarts who know how to save a buck to run the show. Our guests will be well bathed, clothed and fed for a third of the cost. And they will be treated with dignity. The immigration issue is too complex for me to have a clear understanding of a path forward. Caring for those seeking asylum is not complicated at all. These should remain two separate issues.
2
The cost to taxpayers is $750 per person per day. A room at the Four Seasons in Houston tonight is $385, and includes a shower and potable water. Even if a bus ticket to Houston is $100, we'd save $265 per person by housing the migrants at the Four Seasons. If the Four Seasons is quite profitable with its model of extreme service, imagine the profits from providing almost nothing.
Behind this humanitarian atrocity is a story about people making a lot of money off of others' misery.
4
What’s almost more abhorrent than our country’s treatment of immigrants is the way the progressive wing uses these people’s misfortune to portray themselves as compassionate saviors.
If AOC really wanted to change CBP detainment procedures, she would’ve garnered bipartisan support and quietly worked together with Homeland Security. Instead, she stormed down to Texas to find something wrong so she could act outraged. Her interest in chastising border patrol came about only after she discovered her name had been disparaged on Facebook.
These performances by AOC, Beto, Kamala, and Booker are so fake it makes my stomach turn. The article following this is about Greenland’s melting glaciers - nobody is grandstanding about climate change... probably because Icebergs can’t vote.
9
You believe homeland security under Trump is going to work with her or anyone trying to make changes?
Definition of democratic hypocrisy: They are willing to approve $4.7 billion solve the current border detention conditions - which will have to be paid annually for worsening overcrowding due to their open border policy. How about spending that money on solving the catastrophe that is homelessness and typhus outbreaks in the liberal cities. (I live in one and I know.) The wall is a necessary law enforcement deterrent.
8
Pervasive Myths About Immigrants
Laura Collins, Deputy Director of the Economic Growth
George W. Bush Institute
The red-hot language has created a storm of anger towards immigrants. Facts do not support the desire to blame them
leads some to believe that the solution is to drastically reduce the number of immigrants we allow annually into the U.S. They also want to reduce the current undocumented population through stronger interior enforcement and deportation efforts.
The frustration may be real, but immigrants are not the source of the problem.
Bush Institute report, reveals that Immigrants are more likely than native-born workers to create jobs. They start businesses at nearly twice the rate of native-born Americans and are more likely to be self-employed. Immigrant-owned businesses with employees other than the owner employ, on average, 11 additional workers.
Immigrants cannot unduly burden these programs because they are limited in their access to them.
Legal immigrants, for example, do not qualify for federal entitlement benefits for five years after their arrival in the U.S. Once they do qualify, they only use them at lower rates than native-born Americans. And undocumented immigrants cannot receive any federal entitlement benefits, although their U.S.-citizen children do qualify.
Instead, the U.S. owes a great deal to the immigrants who built America and made our nation great. That’s the ultimate reality we should remember.
(Partial Article)
1
I’m not an American, though I can relate to the dilemma that is illegal immigration. Our tiny East African nation is host to millions of refugees. We also have many Westerners and now Asians rushing for the new-age of tech starts-up and socio-economic startups. We are beginning to see anti-refugee and anti-foreigner sentiment here. Some of the protests, like those in the US, have taken a rather racist and “othering” slant. Politicians in neighborhoods where rents are increasing don’t want “too many immigrants”
As the world’s resources diminish and wars continue without surrender or ceasefire, the issue of immigration is bound to become more contentious. Most people agree that it is the obvious choice to help those fleeing from war, persecution, and poverty. The question is how? As I follow the US debate, and our own local one I hope politicians and policy makers will move away from attacking one another and one-minute sound bites . We need some policy decisions provide lasting solutions including safety, security and economic sustainability in the homes of migrants and the host countries - where the poor in host populations are often equally if not differently as oppressed.
4
I worked at Rikers Island for two years in the ‘70s, and as a social worker I have known many people who were held there. Prisoners are allowed to shower. They don’t sleep on concrete. From the description, “like a jail” would be a big improvement.
I recently visited and undocumented immigrant being held in a private prison in New Jersey. The waiting room was stifling hot. The guard station was quite comfortable. The interviewing room was freezing. Funny coincidence, Huh?
Speaking of coincidence - I’ve noticed that all the people with such angry and hateful attitudes toward these undocumented fellow humans are already here. How fortunate for them.
4
Article - George W. Bush says Russia meddled in US election. - AP News
Bush also criticized Trump’s decision to scrap a program implemented by former President Barack Obama’s administration that allows young immigrants living in the U.S. illegally who were brought here as children to remain in America.
“America’s their home,” the 43rd American president said. “They’ve got to get it fixed.”
Bush acknowledged that he tried to overhaul America’s “broken” immigration system, but failed.
“There are people willing to do jobs that Americans won’t do,” he said. “Americans don’t want to pick cotton at 105 degrees (Fahrenheit), but there are people who want put food on their family’s tables and are willing to do that. We ought to say thank you and welcome them.”
So exactly how far right are the posters on here supporting abuse? What is their true intent in our society?
1
The Media-Democrat complex hard at work trying to spin the narrative. I think people in the swing states see the truth and are sick of their wages being depressed by illegal immigration. Ironically this whole humanitarian crisis was created by Congress and can only be fixed by Congress.
6
Those in detention centers crossed into the US without permission. The law is very specific: They are “illegal aliens.” 8 U.S. Code § 1325.
They are not asylum seekers, no matter how often they recite the language they were coached to use. There a five conditions accepted internationally as grounds for seeking asylum. Neither poverty nor gang violence are among them. None of the illegal aliens' conditions qualify them for asylum.
Finally: Why do they make a 2,000 mile trek north, instead of a 160 mile walk into Costa Rica? There they speak the language. It is safe -- I've vacationed there, wandered about without qualms. But they won't get free food and other benefits there.
They are economic migrants. Get in line. With those applying legally.
8
@Austin Liberal,
perhaps it is best to let judges adjudicate asylum request.
I cite:
According to Article 1 A (2) of the 1951 Convention the term “refugee” shall apply to any person who:
“As a result of events occurring before 1 January 1951 and owing to well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.”
source: https://www.unhcr.org/4d93528a9.pdf
These criteria still apply. Particularly indigenous asylum seekers may fit the bill.
What is most is most disturbing is the utter inhumanity of Americans who tolerate this cruelty—even cruelty to children. While screaming about fetuses.
3
AOC and her likes embarrass themselves in stories like this. Those of us who elected them did so for the purpose of their coming up with solutions to the problems like these that they promised they would in their campaigns. Then when actually on the job all they do is act totally clueless and helpless to do anything, turning their elections into those positions completely pointless and purely all about their own vainglory.
5
Please Google “immigrant cost benefit to US economy.” ..
If America did not generally benefit, we would not have had the policies held to date. Doesn’t this article also note a UN agreement to accept immigrants from unbearable regimes of inhuman cruelty. Will the bell be more easily tolled for you next?
Instead, we support this torture and inhumanity right her. Why is such cruelty encouraged by this President and his backers??
The presence of such facilities in a nation with pillars built on immigration is so disgusting on so many levels.
The reality that our government clearly lacks the capacity to have an immigration policy which requires such facilities reflects a complete failure of a modern development nation.
Who are the architects of these immigrant warehouses?
Who is vetting these facilities?
Where is the Geneva inspired protocols for these facilities in America?
Is America capable of developing such humane protocols under the Trump Regime?
2
Simple to fix. Shut down this border and send everyone home. They will have to apply from Mexico. I want every tax dollar spent on US citizens and their medical and educational needs, infrastructure, and reducing the debt. Charity starts at home.
8
Border Patrol emboldened by Trump by his derision of immigrants and lack of humanity, they have the keys to the detention centers. We have let this happen as a country. It is our job to take a stand and put a stop to it.
I support these Democratic lawmakers and their efforts to call attention to the fact that we are not living up to our own values. What we are doing to people at these facilities is beyond disgusting, beyond shameful, beyond heartbreaking. I hate what has happened to our country since Trump took office. We can have the best economy in the world but if we treat our fellow human beings like animals, if we tolerate lying and hatred, if we call honest journalism “fake news” because it does not support our ideology, regardless of facts, then having a “good economy” is meaningless. God help us. Meanwhile, vote.
1
Calling these jokers "lawmakers" is laughable. They went down there looking fora a cause and problem and of course they found it. Perhaps Cortez should take a trip to the moon to verify its made of moon rock. The democrats insisted this was not a crisis just to say the opposite of what Trumpo knew and claimed just a few months ago. Instead of wasting time and taxpayers money flying down there on a fuel chugging jet, why don't they do something to fix the problem...both long and short term. Iviting more misery and chaos with open borders is not a solution!
8
AOC should tell us what she would like. What exactly is her plan? Mexico stopped 29,000 people in June at their southern border.
Does she want open borders?
How many people does she want to let through the border?
How much is she willing to spend on this?
Does she want free healthcare and housing for all these people?
Does she want to get rid of border patrol & ICE?
*What exactly is she doing for her constituents in NYC?
10
Mr. Trump told reporters on Monday. “I know that the Border Patrol is not happy with the Democrats in Congress.”
Nobody's happy getting busted. This is on Trump, he is unfit for the job.
3
People defending these conditions and our country’s actions truly sicken me
3
Impeach now. Hold anyone who demands a congressperson’s cell phone in contempt of Congress. Bullies cannot be beaten back by words or negotiations, they only respect power. Do not let this lawlessness take over our beautiful land.
1
Yet, she, Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar were the only three Democrats to vote against the 4.5 billion humanitarian funding just passed by the house. And now shes doing a public relations tour of the facility. Why would they vote against it?
9
Protesters using racist and vulgar language, and supporting inhumane conditions for children show us that there exist a social base for fascism in the US. Reveling in the pain of others as shown in the post of the border guards shows us just how dangerous our country has become.
2
Let's step back. Trump caused this crisis. He knows what he's doing. Only liberal democrats care about the conditions of immigrants & there aren't enough of them to his re-election as President. Trump wins. Dems have to start realizing this world is Hobbesian & start acting like it or they will lose again.
1
Appears to be a crisis. Anyway, how do they all get in?
3
Where are the Republican lawmakers? They don't want to see the results of their policies? And why can't congress make a visit without a 4 day heads up? We have a bunch of leaders in this country who have completely lost their minds. Show some courage and lead our way out of this quickly because you have created an ugly America.
2
Members of Congress go on a fact-finding mission and are told that they must surrender their cellphones (to officers with cellphones) and that they cannot speak to the detainees? Women in a cell with a broken faucet are told that if they want drinking water they can get it from the toilet? Sounds like a concentration camp being run by SS-like thugs to me. The head of the Border Patrol talks about staff posting doctored obscene and racist images "being held accountable to our standards"? How about more like "every last one of them will be fired" to set an example? I am reminded that fascism came to power in Germany through elections. If the American electorate has not grown sick of this headlong turn to reaction this country (and unfortunately the world with it) is finished. If someone asks, "how bad can things get?" the answer is "they've gotten that bad already" and "we are now approaching free fall".
3
Text messages between 2 FBI agents being one of Trump's favorite go to implosions, how is he and his new press secretary going to spin this despicable Facebook farce.
Ah!
We finally found Donald Trump's "type"!
It's anyone who belongs to "I'm 10-15"!
Hey - who knew?!?
4
Noticing a rapid increase of Trump supporters coming into comment on reports of human rights abuses against migrants. Here and at Washington Post. Wonder if we are in the midst of more bot and troll farm directed division sowing like 2016. I wonder how many of these commenters from the far right are NYT readers and or subscribers. I doubt it’s very many if any at all.
33
@Luccia I am a nyt reader. A physician in nyc and I can tell you here my patients who are illegal immigrants are getting very expensive free care (not just ER but total) while my elderly, poor patients who have paid in for life can't afford their prescriptions. Charity starts at home.
I don't think anyone should go without medical care or be in terrible conditions so I think the border should be totally shut down.
9
@Luccia
Only subscribers can comment.
It sounds as if you are having trouble dealing with the fact that real people would dare to disagree with you.
10
@Luccia, I can assure you I am not a "bot" and I suspect I've been a NYt subscriber since before you were born. I don't believe we are deliberately mistreating illegal aliens who enter our country. The system is overwhelmed by the unprecedented flow of migrants. I don't believe the asylum policy under international law was meant to allow millions of people to flood into our country for economic betterment. I am in favor of a generous, rational immigration policy which the congress refuses to adopt. Sorry to tell you everyone that doesn't share your view is not a robot machine or some malevolent actor. It's not a discussion, Luccia, if everyone says the same thing.
11
Until a congressional committee approves each and every U.S. facility the best solution would be to keep these good people in Mexico.
17
Or, better yet, we could give the entire country back to its original owners and send the original immigrants back to Europe.
1
Troll farm response. Do Maggots actually believe the child detention centers provide for children’s needs? The long time separation from their parents is abusive and mentally harmful.
1
Instead of posing for a photo op with his pal Kim in North Korea, Trump should be in El Paso trying to quell a cruel national disaster. He really doesn't get it.
16
And we are supposed to celebrate the Fourth Of July in a couple of days?? I'll be wearing a black armband.
16
This administration is criminal, corrupt, and disgusting. From top to bottom, from beginning to end. Each and every republican is to blame.
22
So the American taxpayer paid for this junket for twelve Congressmen to travel to the border for a photo op and make snarky comments about the illegal holding facilities. What did they see or say that changed anything? Did not AOC and Rashida Tlaib vote against the Senate bill funding border relief? Is that how they show their concern for these people? Show public outrage, yet withhold relief? Shameless liberals.
26
They withheld border funding because there was no language in the Bill that would prevent Trump from using the funds to build a wall or hire more agents rather than for the humanitarian relief that you support.
2
And wasting taxpayer monies on bringing in old tanks and flying fighter jets over DC for this fake reality personality turn wanna-be dictator is better? Or wasting taxpayers monies on Trump's MANY golf trips? Or how about wasting taxpayers monies on Ivanka, Jared, Jr and Eric on trips they have no business being included in? Or their "protection?"
4
Kurt - your cynicism exceeds only your ignorance.
1
Asking AOC to describe what her impressions were is a joke. I could have told you what she was going to say before she got there. Did anyone expect great conditions for facilities with 4 times the occupants they were intended for? She refused to increase aid for these people, and is now justifying the sanctions she voted for.
21
@Jay Throwing more money at the problem isn't a solution
1
@Jay
So you are saying she's sampling off of Trump's thumping style? Props, bro!
@northeastsoccermum not enforcing existing laws have consequences. Enforcement is far cheaper than opening the turnstiles. Why are Democrats encouraging illegal entry to America? Why are Democrats against enforcing laws their party voted to enact?
2
I suggest everyone search Juvenile Corrections in the US and see the images. In many instances you will see conditions similar to the images from Homestead. So should illegal immigrant children be treated better than our own children? Isn't it ironic that protesters will drive right by American Juvenile Corrections facilities, as they travel to Homestead, without protest? If you want to protest then travel to the Capital and shutdown congress, both parties.
11
@D Cartes just stop. We treat our own prisoners far better than these people are being treated. "Camp" or prison US taxpayers are making the owners of for profit prisons very wealthy.
2
@northeastsoccermum You and I can agree on your second observation. For-profit prisons are basically a union busting strategy in my opinion. And, corporations make a lot of money doing it.
As for your first, in your haste to judge me, you missed my points entirely. Juvenile Corrections facilities in the US are understaffed and overcrowded and house around 60,000 incarcerated youth and maybe as many as 2 million kids spend temporary time in over crowded "lock ups" where many are underfed with poor hygiene and many are assaulted and some boys and girls are raped, sounds a lot like situation at the boarder doesn't it. So my point is two fold. You can't solve either problem by photo op and hyperbole. And, the only way you can possibly solve these border problems is to shut down congress until they pass bipartisan solutions.
It’s too hot here. Our own totalitarian government is making life here psychologically difficult. Gun violence is making it dangerous here. Meaningful employment, while touted in the media?—I don’t see it on the ground.
So I guess it must be really really bad/depressing/dangerous/hot & hopeless back home in Honduras if the US seems like a desirable place to live.
I think it’s probably mostly hype. If someone told them the reality of the situation on the ground in the US, even beyond detention on he border, they might not come.
6
When Trump wins in 2020, this will be why.
And it’s especially ironic too. The left always holds itself up as being worldly, sophisticated, and not parochial - but if this were really the case the left would understand how unpopular open borders are across the world. The left would be learning from other countries, and why the left has been losing outside of the U.S., in places that have previously been safer havens for “progress.”
But no. They fail to understand this, and they think Trump is uniquely horrible for wanting border enforcement, and they think the vast majority of Americans who want border enforcement are racist for wanting it.
In short, the left’s myopia, parochialism, and hysteria on this subject is going to be their undoing in Nov 2020, and it’s going to be a glorious site to behold. Even better than 2016 was. Because in 2020, even those of us who want Trump to win will be able to say “I told you so.” I don’t think any of us could have honestly said that in 2016. We were as shocked as the cryers at the Javits Center were on that night, only elated.
20
Trump’s administration intended to deal harshly with all attempting to emigrate from the South. They intended to make it seem anti-Latino and to make the experience a nightmare to discourage people from coming. They made it a disgrace, an unnecessary series of atrocities. We don’t look tough, we look cruel.
We do not face an invasion from the south, we face a mixed bag of problems for which we are unprepared to deal. There are genuine refugees, smuggling, and people who just want to enjoy working and living in the U.S. attempting to get in, and the worst pressure is from those following the laws. Trump misrepresents it as an invasion of terrible people who will prey upon people if they get in. It’s one of his, ‘hyperbole’, tactics in his art of the deal strategy. He lies to achieve what he wants. And it’s no secret that he does so. He bragged about it in his book. If you believe him without confirmation, you are probably believing a lie. The crisis is that we have not the resources needed to deal with the problems at the border. With the resources, there is no problem.
2
Did you see the racist responses to her tweets?
1
Yep.
Feels like a jail...
You mean like, full of people who knowingly chose to break the law? Sounds about right.
32
@Jim:
Seeking asylum isn't breaking the law. It is not illegal in this country to be a refugee.
Funny that the self-proclaimed law and order crowd can't even manage that simpe fact.
On that note, are you seriously suggesting that infants and toddlers are knowingly breaking the law and thus deserve to drink from toilets?
Hoo boy. I'll remember that the next time righties yammer and whine about the sanctity of life and their Jesus this and that.
1
@Jim If you are hungry, live in an area with no functioning government, and are constantly being threatened by gangs, do you really care if you break another countries law?
1
Shows the total frustration of good people working hard at the border and seeing their efforts go to naught. What other recourse do they have to voice their frustration as their schools, hospitals, and resources are invaded. In the meantime AOC shows up clean and perfumed puts on her show and leaves.
8
If ever you needed a reason to understand that the focus of public citizens and public servants and the DNC needs to be on filling the void left by ACORN and focusing on state legislative victories and most of all winning not only the White House but control of the Senate, you are looking at it.
Without the Senate, the White House will be largely ineffectual. Without a massive, community involvement movement to replace the work ACORN was doing before they were attacked with lies, deception, and propaganda, we will not have victory.
If a government for the people and by the people is to save this nation from fascism, raw naked capitalism, and the agendas of the likes of those for whom Barr and Leo serve, nothing is more vital than taking what Justice Democrats did and apply it to what ACORN used to do and get into the communities, make certain that the working poor vote, that all of those who feel disenfranchised vote and to make sure every American with any sense of morality votes.
We need people with heart, soul, and ethics at every level of government. I see almost no one of principle left in the Republican party. They seem to have all sold out and that corruption is cancer on our nation. Only new blood, people of incorruptible character can make America better than it is today and to begin to free it from corruption.
13
Is it supposed to feel like a 5-star resort...? I’m confused.
23
At $700 per day it should be a 700 times better. We should welcome migrants and people such as this not treat them like animals.
What is wrong with you people?
12
@GZP, apparently you are confusing access to drinking water, with a five star resort. So, yes.
3
@GZP
There’s big space between squalor, ie, drinking out of toilets, not being allowed personal hygiene and a 5 star resort.
Are you confused about the misogynistic and hateful border patrol posts on Facebook too?
Apparently to most republicans its not that the law was broken it is WHO broke it. A poor immigrant is treated in this wholly unAmerican way yet the law breaking POTUS is ignored and encouraged. Rather transparent...why oh why were some republican lawmakers not along on this trip.
18
@Phil
The Reps were not there because it's all about 2020.
It's an election year - the Dems know they're going to lose the election so they have to put on a show. Otherwise, they could care less about these people
6
Republicans have taken plenty of trips to the boarder. Far more than the Democrats. You just wouldn't know that if you only read the NYT and watch CNN.
And why do you ask about Republicans being on the trip? You want them to check their schedules with Comrade AOC to endure they can coordinate a trip? She’s a joke as is the immigration policy of the DNC.
8
1. There needs to be a major purge of this agency
2. AOC is a target for her because they FEAR her. Same with Tlaib.
Trumpists are motivatd only by fear and hatred.
25
This is not true. I voted for Obama in 2008 and will happily vote for Trump in 2020. Open your eyes with the Democrat party today. Illegal immigration hurts the poorest amount us by depressing their wages and flaunts our system that is based on the rule of law.
6
Trump’s cruel treatment of a population he’s determined undesirable is as despicable as that of the strong men he so admires.
In some aspects he even surpassed their barbaric policies- he tortures children , in plain sight ,with the support of his party , and uses them as pawns his ongoing campaign to stay in power.
Trump knows that without his hateful immigration policies he cannot sustain the support of his base, and to appease them he separates families and keeps their children detained in subhuman conditions.
This 4th of July Trump’s America looks nothing like the beacon of freedom it once aspired to be.
12
I live in Greece. To obtain - and to keep - my residency card I had to prove (and must continually prove) that I had (and have) private Greek health insurance. If Trump instituted such a requirement there would be screams from the left.
Folks should look at the commonsense and far stricter residency requirements of other countries (including, BTW, Mexico, that requires $50k in the bank or property equity).
13
@Stephen Gianelli,
US immigration is full of contradiction. Anyone who wishes to visit the EU must present a passport to border control on entry AND exit. Anyone visiting the US must go through immigration only on entry. This country does not seem to know any residence registration laws, nor are their any national ID cards. Quite a number of citizens born in rural areas do not possess birth certificates. In short, nobody really knows who is here and where they are. Yet most manage to make a living. The country invites illegality.
3
This is hyperbole and has no basis in reality. He is for the rule of law and keeping illegal immigration illegal.
3
America is supposed to be a meritocracy - this is he lodestar of the conservative ethos - and indeed over the years immigrants have come, shown their incredible merit and transformed this country for the better over and over and over. To those who don’t feel like today’s immigrants (illegal or otherwise - who cares - merit is merit right?) should get that chance, what are you afraid of? Getting outworked? Outsmarted?! Just grab your own bootstraps and pull harder!
Putting them in these conditions is inexcusably inhumane, it is wrong. And if you want to leave morality out of it and be calculating - we’re breeding people who will hate us for the trauma we’ve inflicted upon them. That’s not a good long term strategy for prosperity.
6
How to lose an election in 490 days. Make citizens of another country your central platform issue.
29
It’s ridiculous. We need to secure our boarders and keep illegal immigration illegal. The Democrats are going to lose the swing states on this issue.
9
How to also lose an election in 490 days, openly support and encourage cruelty and inhumanity.
1
In about fifteen to twenty years, I hope OAC runs for POTUS. Between now and then, she should become a senator.
8
The democrats seem to want also funding a state run airline that would pick the immigrants in their countries and bring them here to at least 3-star hotels. Once they clear immigration they will be able to benefit from free health care including also those relatives left behind in their countries of origin. All this until the US returns several southern states to Mexico.
13
It feels like Jail because they're criminals.
16
"imagine how they treat people inside". This is indicative of the progressive wing of some party. Let's just imagine things cause it's easier than really finding truthful things, or god forbid believing people who you have made bad judgements about. Calling any adults, it's time to run for office.
10
People have seen what goes on. But you can continue to ignore the plight of these children
8
I don't ignore real issues just made up false progressive issues. Thanks for reading and considering my thoughts. Have a nice day.
3
The photograph of the Trump supporters is appalling. I don't understand their objective but it certainly does not seem constructive. The "Start Deporting" sign one of the misanthropes is holding speaks volumes.
The people held against their will in the detention centers are exactly that - PEOPLE. These are human beings, not wild dogs rounded up off the farmer's ranch.
I saw a segment on MSNBC last night that included interviews of some members of Congress who tried to speak with the inmates and were turned away. These poor people are being tortured by their "caregivers." An intervention by law enforcement or the international community needs to be done. We need a peacekeeping force and members of Doctors without Borders and relief supplies sent to the detention centers. It is crystal clear the Trump administration cannot and will not care for these poor people.
18
Well there is the issue: the NYT and MSNBC are your news sources. People are not being mistreated and deporting is the right thing to do for people who come here illegally. Our amnesty laws are being abused and what happens to the rule of law when you make illegal immigration legal?
7
@Larry
Yes, it is sad how these people are being treated.
And sadder that you shed a tear for these people more than the legal citizens who live here, work hard and pay taxes.
5
obviously we need humane conditions. end child separations immediately of course. the abominable treatment of these fellow human beings is disgusting and must stop.
However these folks -as shown in MANY NYT and wash post articles-are primarily economic migrants. stop calling them refugees, they are not. 100,000 + at the border monthly- this is insanity. No civilized nation has "open borders"
-
AID to the northern triangle, campaigns to defeat the lies of the traffickers. consequences for those who hire the undocumented, etc.
17
Terrifying. So we do live in a police state. When members of Congress are not allowed access to (and the ability to document) conditions WHEREEVER --, and the press is not allowed access either -- everyone should be incensed. (And I doubt that this nonsense began with this administrations altho this group seems to be in the position to exacerbate the situation.
Sadly, it is a crime to settle in a country other than one in which you have citizenship -- because there are WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE. And the US has to support Birth Control clinics (the Catholic church often just keeps its mouth shut-- heresy gets re-defined now and again -- the evangelicals and Creationists might be more of a problem.
Meantime, the border officials (and these are very good jobs) behaving badly should be fired. Detention time needs to be limited and perhaps there will be more deportation.
however, even in America people are often treated badly in domestic situations, in work situations; there are unsafe places, gangs, drugs.
What's wrong with all of the wealthy and corrupt "rulers" in Central America? Why is there so much poverty and crime? I am also sure there are many people there who own pied-a-terres in NYC on which they pay almost no tax (Thanks-- NYC and NYS leaders!!)
SHAME.
6
Don’t believe the spin. Migrants are being treated fairly and came here voluntarily.
5
It's not a jail because if it were a true jail, no one would be voluntarily checking in. These individuals are free to leave. If anything, it's an insult to every incarcerated American. Who's crying about their plight? Where's their sanctuary city?
16
Where do you get the idea that they are free to leave? Fox News?
8
Right on!
1
"these individuals are free to leave"
1. The little children who have been separated from their parents?! Where will they go?! How will they get there?
2. There are locks, barbed wire fences, and guards! No, they're not free to leave.
3. Turn off Fox Fake News and start reading reality-based, facts-based news rather than propaganda.
2
Seeking asylum is a UN recognized right. The US cannot simultaneously claim moral high ground while NOT recognizing the right to seek asylum. The countries that took in most migrants are Turkey, Pakistan, and Germany. So, Americans must get off their high horse and realize that they are not being much (any) altruism.
PS: I think everyone who makes arguments against asylum seekers must say if any of their ancestors came in illegally. I think there is a good chance they did.
15
These are by and large NOT asylum seekers. Most illegal immigrants come here to make money and send it back home.
Asylum is for people who are being oppressed in their country because of their ethnicity or religion.
6
@Jay
As Andrew Sullivan pointed out recently* it's our asylum laws that need to change:
"But somehow the courts have decided that you qualify for asylum if there is simply widespread crime or violence where you live... A government need not persecute you; you just have to experience an unsafe environment that your government is failing to suppress. This so expands the idea of asylum, in my view, as to render it meaningless.
Courts have also expanded asylum to include domestic violence, determining that women in abusive relationships are a 'particular social group' and thereby qualify. In other words, every woman on the planet who has experienced domestic abuse can now come to America and claim asylum. Also everyone on the planet who doesn’t live in a stable, orderly, low-crime society. Literally billions of human beings now have the right to asylum in America. As climate change worsens, more will rush to claim it. All they have to do is show up."
********
* "The Democratic Candidates Are in a Bubble on Immigration",
http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/06/andrew-sullivan-democrats-are-in-a-bubble-on-immigration.html
6
@AACNY Of course, poor people who were displaced due to climate change deserve asylum, when US and China are the biggest polluters on earth; Europe's industrial revolution also pumped so much C02 into atmosphere. If people fleeing the potato famine in Ireland could seek asylum, why not climate change and domestic abuse refugees?
I am glad this is coming into the open. Shame on Border Patrol for enabling this abuse. I am descended from immigrants who were starving. This abuse goes against what America stands for. AOC is courageous and I applaud her efforts and am amazed at her ability to speak the truth.
14
Congress needs to act. They and they alone are the only ones who can change our immigration laws to stop this flow of migrants. Our amnesty laws are being abused.
The irony of course is that polarizing figures of Congress like AOC are blaming others for the crisis we are in when they are the problem and the only ones who can resolve it.
6
Any person who protects these people and speaks from integrity will be attacked. Blaming AOC is nonsense. Anyone who stands up will be drug through the mud of these corrupt souls as you see just from the posts here.
It’s funny they claim laws but care none for when border patrol breaks them.
1
AOC is totally correct. Congress needs to act and end this hostility towards legal asylum seekers, economic migrants and stop fueling racists and stoking the fires of hatred.
1
Trump wants a border like the one between North and South Korea.
Trump wants a border like the one between Israel and Gaza.
U.S. will be one side sheltered by our Constitution, our guaranteed protection of human liberties.
Mexico, and the central and southern Americas, will be on the other side, its peoples desparate and hopeless, no guarantee of freedoms, the Latin American versions of Palestinians and North Koreans.
3
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."
...so we can lock them up in for-profit prisons.
Pretty sure that's a quote from the Bible.
16
Those word are on the Statue of Liberty - which is right by Ellis Island where all immigrants were required to pass through to legally enter this country. Many never cleared Ellis and were sent back to their native country.
5
@Collie Sue, exactly! The rules were strict back then. If any member of the family appeared to have some physical or mental defect, that’s person would be sent back. My own 22 month old father nearly got sent back for not really walking independently. Families got split up all the time.
3
Pretty sure it was written before there were 7 billion people on the planet with 3 living in abject poverty.
Pro-life? Please explain.
11
This is one big step to the destruction of our country. Who will be next to be falsely accused of criminal acts? African Americans already know this game, now latinos are being targeted. It's only a matter of time until others are added. And the private prisons will profit. Just wait, it's coming.
3
It should feel like a jail these people came here illegally and broke the law when you break the law you go to jail whys the problem
11
Asylum seeking an internationally recognized right!
See post above:
"Seeking asylum is a UN recognized right. The US cannot simultaneously claim moral high ground while NOT recognizing the right to seek asylum. The countries that took in most migrants are Turkey, Pakistan, and Germany. So, Americans must get off their high horse and realize that they are not being much (any) altruism.
PS: I think everyone who makes arguments against asylum seekers must say if any of their ancestors came in illegally. I think there is a good chance they did."
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/01/us/politics/texas-migrant-centers.html
@Marsha Pembroke, coming legally as an asylum seeker means stopping in the first safe country, in this case Mexico. These people are not doing that.
2
I wonder how many of those secreting their hate for their charges at that facebook front are really Russians? Not that we haven't got the stuff racists are made of, but it serves Russia to serve up a plate of trauma everyday to those who can least digest it. Poking their grievances with a stick until they perform as miserably as they feel...
2
AOC is a disgrace. I really can’t stand her.
This crisis is amplified because we have amnesty laws that are being abused by economic migrants. They came here illegally and shouldn’t apply like everyone else.
The Democrats want to make it legal to be an illegal immigrant. What does that mean for the rule of law and how do you think it impacts the wages of middle and lower class Americans?
The boarded agents are by and large doing their best to deal with this humanitarian crisis. And the irony is that it’s members in Congress like AOC that are making the problem worse. It’s long overdid to fix the immigration system.
The solution is simple: stop the illegal migration and change the amnesty laws that are acting as a magnet. We won’t have a flood of people coming here and putting children at risk. Nor will we depress the wages of our poorest citizens or fund the cartels who are making money on human trafficking.
23
@Matt:
Yet not a single complaint from the right wing toward employers, inlcluding Trump, who HIRE undocumented people.
Keep piling on AOC all you want. It won't change the fact that she is the mirror the right wing cannot manage.
1
God forbid that someone in Congress stand for humane treatment of children
1
It's border not "bordered" agents.
And, you clearly haven't read the articles and reports about the concentration camps, the Border Patrol agents' vile Facebook group, and the camp guards' brutality or you wouldn't claim they are "doing their best"!
2
There is only one way psychologically to sit with seeing humans in this condition: mentally distort them into sub-human animals. Then you can walk by, whistling a tune, convinced that the horror in front of you is nothing more than a zoo and you its keeper. To be an empathic agent in current conditions is an oxymoron: how could one put on the uniform? The Facebook comments are indeed horrendous. How else could one justify their daily conspiring?
8
“Be Best” - The dark side of the US. Not only the Officers but the local residents. The hate that festers in this country is deeply distressing. Will we celebrate the 4th of July under this dark shadow? Trump with his military boot on the neck of immigrants? There is little to celebrate. There is only shame as citizens.
11
The Democrats need to own this problem at the border because they have done nothing for over 3 years but try to stop DJT from doing anything. Its so obvious for anyone to see.
All of the Democratic Candidates on night 2 raised their hands when asked if they would provide Health Care to Illegal Aliens.
I think all of them also raised their hands when asked if they would decriminalize people trying to enter our country illegally.
A friend of mines son was banned forever from a Caribbean Island and fined $1000 because he sailed across an International Boundary to pick up a friend for a vacation.
Every country has border laws. If you are for open borders then you are a big part of the problem.
This is the biggest problem facing our country, not Climate Change, not China, not Russia.
AOC making a Grandstand instead of working to craft a solution is typical of why we cant get anything done with this Congress.
2020 willl be the Litmus Test for this issue.
18
@Coastal:
Your party has held the Congress up until 6 months ago and couldn't fund its own border wll or fix what you say is broken. What does that tell you?
As for health care for "illegal aliens" - what an ugly, un-Christian phrase - that's the state of California that wants to do that. What happened to states' rights? Or are only those states approved by Republicans eligible for those rights...
1
@Sondryne
Actually, no you are factually incorrect about extending Health Care to Illegal Aliens-Immigrants.
Even Obamacare largely prevented the same.
Not sure why putting Americans before Illegal Aliens in this matter should be so hotly contested by the Left. Can it be they are pandering to their constituency on any number of issues that will hurt them in 2020.
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/06/27/all_dem_candidates_raise_hand_when_asked_if_illegal_immigrants_should_get_health_care_coverage_at_debate.html
3
@Alternate Reality:
Why is it either/or? And who is anyone to shut the door on immigrants? This country was FOUNDED by immigrants.
Grow up.
The mere fact that Trump sits with his hands folded while people are abused and degraded as a direct result of his policies, actions and comments is an impeachable offense. Summarizing other sources, Wikipedia says, "The charge of high crimes and misdemeanors covers allegations of misconduct by officials, such as perjury of oath, abuse of authority, bribery, intimidation, misuse of assets, failure to supervise, dereliction of duty, unbecoming conduct, refusal to obey a lawful order, chronic intoxication, and tax evasion." There is thus in theory (though not in our current cowardly practice) a very low standard for impeachment. Ben Franklin said a president should be impeached if he merely "rendered himself obnoxious" (same source). Let's see: abuse of authority, intimidation, failure to supervise, unbecoming conduct, dereliction of duty, refusal to obey a lawful order, and general obnoxiousness. Remind you of anyone? The standards for impeachment are deliberately low because the standards of conduct and probity are high. Or at least this is the Constitutional intention. So, Dems, what on earth are you waiting for?
9
I'd say that these rogue Border Agents are breaking the Hatch Act requirements. If other federal employees have to obey it, why do they get a pass? Oh, I get it, they worship trump.
6
It feels like jail because it IS jail. Its jail because
they are coming into the country illegally.
If they came into the country legally, or did not come at all,
they would not have any such problem.
Its that simple: STOP illegal immigration.
That's ALL there is to it, period.
14
@Doug McDonald:
What is the name of the law that makes showing up at the border, or being a refugee, illegal?
Abolish the Border Patrol. It is beyond repair.
If Trump really thinks asylum seekers are national security threats, mobilize the military. I trust the US military much more than the Border Patrol. At least they have something called "court martial".
4
I’d really like to see a neutral humanitarian organization, like the Red Cross, given free access to these centers. Have them provide an unbiased assessment of the conditions there.
Then, of course, the right leaning politicians and their “patriotic” supporters will scream, “FAKE”!
At least there will be a record.
5
Crimes against humanity: Never possible without the support of the complicit public.
8
Why shouldn’t it feel like jail if a person breaks the law by illegally entering the country? Illegal means something.
7
This inhumanity will forever be a stain on our country. I shudder to think about what we don’t know that’s going on in these concentration camps. Of course the Republicans will find ways to blame Democrats but the onus is on Trump and his deterent polices which have cruelty built in. Many children would have sponsors to foster them but they’re too afraid to come forward as they’re being required to be finger printed and provide DNA samples, among other things. Trump failed to plan for what was sure to be a surge of people at the border. Trump could have done something but he doesn’t care. His supporters clearly don’t care. Cruelty is the point.
6
The history of this country is mostly nasty stains: from native american genocide, slavery, territorial wars, the civil war, Japanese internment and the atomic bombing of Japan, and now our decades of unprovoked militarism in the Middle East that had killed and displaced millions. But don’t dare state the obvious for fear of being called ‘unpatriotic’. This current state of affairs is quite tame compared to the rest if the nation’s history.
To the comments that say "of course it's like a jail, because it's housing criminals..."
What happened to due process? These people have not been charged with nor convicted of a crime... say what you want about them being criminals, in our system, that doesn't ring true, that they are criminals, until they have their day in court.
This entire argument can be summed up in one question... do you believe due process and human rights exist only for Americans, or are they universal?
8
@J
Due process and human rights are 2 different things. All humans are entitled to Human rights while Due Process is reserved for American Citizens. Illegal immigrants have human rights. That is why you can find videos of Border Patrol agents jumping into the Rio Grande to save children. That is why we are feeding and sheltering illegals rather than let them starve to death in the desert. Human rights does not necessarily mean a comfortable lifestyle. It is harsh but for a couple rare medical anomalies only a tiny fraction of those in custody will die or have long term side effects. Now if we locked up visa over-stayers like this, pressuring them to return home, we'd start to make a dent in this problem.
1
The cruelty and depravity of the 'secret' Border Patrol Facebook group is a direct expression of the Trump doctrine of cruelty and depravity which is his immigration policy (along with Let Mexico deal with it).
There should be no debate as to how America treats people in custody especially children. There should be no debate about basic human respect and needs.
That there is such hatred and rancor is a specific design of Trump.
This is one of his 'signature' issues which will drive lies, default actions and violence into our society. Trump wants this to help him get re-elected.
The sad fact that the total lack of accountability of the Trump administration will continue unabated is our disgrace before the world. The children will remain in cages and the BP Facebook posts will go mainstream. Name one person or group who is going to stop all of this, at least until the election.
If Democrats want to win, get your immigration policy out there NOW and hammer it into the public conscience everyday until 2020.
In dreamworld, the BP agents displaying cruelty or posting disgusting and biased comments should be punished, preferably removed from their job.
Trump will make sure things get worse. Stopping this will only come in 2020.
7
This is so disheartening. I like to dream an honorable and smart candidate will prevail in 2020 but I am afraid it's just that ....a dream. Who are these people that Hillary accurately and honestly identified as deplorable? It doesn't bode well in thinking one can win by speaking truth-to-power.
2
The lack of humanity and decency by Trump and those carrying out his policies in his administration knows no bounds. Every citizen regardless of their political allegiances should be appalled. No one supports "open borders." Many support reasonable comprehensive immigration reforms. All should support the rights of those fleeing violence and terror to seek asylum. Punishing, tormenting, mistreating, and jailing refugees is not acceptable or consistent with America's principles or heritage. Let reasonable people come together and seek better solutions to this humanitarian crisis. Let us be a more compassionate and caring society. Shame on those who scream hate slogans and support the appalling practices and policies we are witnessing. We can and should do much better.
5
@BruceC
“ All should support the rights of those fleeing violence and terror to seek asylum. “.
The problem with this position is that under the current interpretation this includes just about everyone from any country substantially poorer than the US. Billions of people qualify. And all they have to do under your guidelines is to make it over the border.
This may sound humane but it is not a sustainable policy. Pointing this out doesn’t make me uncharitable, just realistic.
3
Remind me again.... who is it that is going to get that $4.6 BILLION DOLLARS?
Is that someone who regularly reads (and posts on) the Facebook site of the underbelly "I'm 10-15"?
And, when these people are fired for bringing 'too much attention' onto the profiteers, are they then going to be hired by local police?
A law needs to be passed right now that any 'border agent' that EVER applies for a job 2,000 miles away from the border, will NOT be hired by another public entity.
This is the foul underbelly of this nation.
These people need to be investigated, for, they are corrupt.
7
Agreed.
1
I wonder when the rest of the world, to include our trusted allies and the United Nations will finally speak up about the atrocities and inhumane treatment of "migrants" going on at the United States southern border. I seem to recall over my life time how often the US would speak out against the same atrocities and inhumane treatment of people of other countries and actually intervene with military action. The US is allowing this administration to punish these people who have shown up at our border to seek a better life for themselves and there families, as a deterrent. This zero tolerance policy was put in place so the word would get out to others who might be thinking of traveling to our southern border, to see how the will be treated, there kids will be taken from them and they will be locked up like common criminals. On Thursday the 4th of July will celebrate our Independence as a free nation. But from what I see happening at our southern border, I am not sure we have a lot to be proud of these days. Making America great, I think not!
6
The reason why the Trump administration and border guards are getting away with mistreating these people at the border is because many Americans do not see these people as human. I hope next year Trump is defeated so I can start to think positive things about Americans again.
5
Stories like this will again arouse the sadistic juices of Americans who condone the harm that comes to those who "deserve it." Donald Trump knows about enabling sadism, as his comments, during early campaign rallies encouraged violence toward those present who challenged him. At other times he ignores its existence. Part of his appeal to young men, in particular, who have a dormant streak of sadism is the permission they see from him to express it. It is a dynamic that occurs regularly throughout the world among dictatorial leaders.
5
So, $5.7 billion for a permanent wall is too much, but $4.6 billion for humanitarian aid (for this year), no problem?
How about we improve conditions by slashing the number of beds we are forced to keep? We could build the wall and dramatically reduce crossings, and we could ramp up deportations, both of those things would allow for conditions for the remaining detainees to dramatically improve.
I want to live in a nation where laws are obeyed, and a nation by definition does not have open borders. I don't want to live in a nation where people can terrorize their nanny or maid into appalling working conditions by threatening to ICE them, and then play the saint for supporting illegal immigration.
8
The facilities were never intended to operate like a Motel 6. The custom services are attending to masses of people because Congress, Trump (and his predecessors) have not addressed the immigration issue realistically. Everything is lopsided. Almost like Ford assembly person deciphering car prints before they go to the Ford designers.
2
Incorrect. Trump and Miller as well as posters here support harming these people. They call them animals by shouting illegal so they can abuse them.
It is by design. No amount of valid information works on them because they are blinded by racism. They post here continually with excuses.
Legality is claimed suffering and harm is their goal, period.
The only thing new about most of this is the attention the issue is getting since the issue can be used as a political weapon. Otherwise, this has been going on for years.
4
Let us not forget: At the end of 2018 Republicans and Democrats had developed a comprehensive border policy which Trump shot down at the last minute because Ann Coulter called him a coward since it did not have funding for a wall. Let us also not forget Republicans had control of the House, Senate, and White House for two years and could have passed any legislation they wanted on border or immigration issues, but instead chose to give the wealthiest Americans tax cuts. Republican inaction is the primary reason from a policy perspective we are where we are today.
Yet somehow Democrats who were willing to work with Republicans to pass immigration reform, and who for the majority of this presidency have had no power - and now only have the House by a slim majority - are the party who is pro immigration? All the while the Trump administration sends lawyers to argue they are not required to provide water or soap to detainees. Seriously? How could anyone with a straight face claim it is acceptable to rob children of such a basic dignity?
At the end of the day I would rather be the party pro immigration than to be party who is pro torturing children.
18
Some things to know about the BP:
1. Half the people who apply for the job are turned down.
2. An outrageous percentage of those hired are arrested or fired.
3. Many are barely literate, and take the job because it provides a
guaranteed paycheck and provides them with a badge and a
gun to reduce their lack of self esteem.
4. A prior head of the CBP Office of Internal Affairs was "retired"
because he was serious about investigating rogue agents.
12
@george eliot
Your reference? Pardon my skepticism, but sounds very much like the lies that were told by the Left of those entering military service in the wake of 911.
3
@Rick:
In answer to your poor attempt at deflection:
https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-border-patrol-lies-20170113-story.html
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/border-issues/2017/12/08/cato-institute-report-calls-freeze-hiring-border-patrol/853777001/
There's more; took all of two seconds to find.
2
@george eliot It's amazing how you can devine a border control agents' sense of self esteem (point #3). Can you do the same for nurses, aerospace engineers and software engineers? Please post your findings.
1
This is a pivot issue in the 2020 election. Democrats that I know are as angry as any republicans I know about the lack of enforcement at the border. This needs to be fixed if a Democrat wants a chance to be elected President. Otherwise Trumps wins in 2020.
9
@David Kane Trump has already won 2020. Repubs are gearing up for 2024 now. I hope Ivanka runs as the first female president.
4
@RS, I’m interested in reading what, exactly, qualifies Ivanka Trump to be president. Please be specific, thanks!
4
@Karen Lee The same qualifications as her father: None.
A few short months ago, Democrats were calling the border a faux crisis. The problem has been there for years.
The detention areas that AOC and Democrats abhor were built by President Obama. Children were separated from their parents under President Obama.
If the Democrats are so distressed by these centers - pass meaningful immigration reform. That’s their job. Quit complaining and do something.
16
@Collie Sue that’s the irony. Congress is the problem and are the only ones who can fix this by changing our immigration laws. They and they alone have the power to stop this by changing the amnesty laws and stopping the magnet that makes people risk their and their children’s lives at risk making this journey.
3
@Collie Sue
That is false. Democrats called the Republicans out on their lie that immigrants and migrants represent a security crisis (rapists and murderers). For years Democrats have been calling for proper funding for immigration judges to correct the backlog of cases for years. Republican fascists not only refused to do this; they have shut down any efforts on immigration reform during the Bush, Obama and Trump administrations. They are the only reason no action has been taken. Donald Trump and fellow fascists have been separating children from their families and warehousing them. If you are so willfully ignorant this late in the game as to believe what you wrote, then you are complicit in their actions.
1
@Collie, Trump created and escalated this crisis. And please dont twist the facts. Democrats have said the building of a wall is not a solution or an emergency..this last trick to shut down the government lasted for 35 days... so Trump with his zero tolerance, separate families, non-management, no tracking of family ties, retracted funding to the northern triangle, tacit and overt approval of abuse by ICE, billions to for profit detention centers who have desire to give up their $700 per day windfall are the facts.
This was going on during the Obama administration. Congress has avoided Immigration Reform for decades and yes it is a crisis.
7
The system is totally overwhelmed and I'm not sure I 100% believe the detainees. I suspect the totally overloaded staff is doing the best they can with what they have. I also suspect the detainees are trying to generate sympathy so they will simply be released. The detainees voluntarily chose to illegally enter the US and have no cause for complaint. They were not forced to come here. We've reached the point where enough is enough. I'm also quite certain that if they asked to be deported back to where they came from that would be easily arranged by US authorities.
11
For those who say: "There are legal ways to enter the country." The "legal" ways are not available to those who are poor or desperate. There are many reasons to flee a country, and I would suspect that those who are so anti-immigration can't even imagine them.
For those who say: "No one is for open borders."
I am. The United States is a vast continent, and unemployment is at a historic low. We can't welcome a few more humans? Although I wouldn't want them to end up in Alabama.
4
A report about the conditions of non-citizen detention facilities would be much better received if it came from an independent group such as the American Red Cross, rather than from a group of hysterical, bleeding heart lawmakers whose minds about detaining non-citizens have already been made up or from presidential aspirants who are straining to distinguish themselves in a very crowded field.
6
You enter voluntarily and leave in less than 90 days with no apparent penalty and a free ride into the US. Strange “jail.”
8
What is going on inside these jails that no one is allowed to see?
4
All of you people who think there is nothing wrong with this treatment: Where did your people come from to get here and give you the freedom to grow into heartless citizens? No matter what you think about the situation in the border, the belief that America can abuse and degrade people trying to get the same sort of freedom is unAmerican. Your fathers and grandfathers once fought to end the destruction of people based on their ethnicity.
12
@Mary Frances Schjonberg
They are all free to go if they want to stay in Mexico.
They want entry into the US, as if they have the right to just walk right in, ahead of those emigrating legally.
Doesn’t work that way.
These folks were caught crossing the border illegally.
What’s your answer? Allow them all in?
Succumb to their demands? Make them citizens?
7
@Mary Frances Schjonberg I came here from "LEGAL" immigrants of Germany. My father and grandfather fought to uphold the constitution not some "Manufactured Crisis" according to the democrats.
3
My parents legally emigrated at a time when there was a quota.
And they were in my fathers words “the poorest of the poor”; they had no electricity or telephone or running water in the homes whence they came, and they were under-educated (6th grade).
So I’m not heartless and I embrace immigration, but they didn’t seek asylum. They sought citizenship!!!
1
Governmental agencies behaving like thugs, and setting their own rules towards elected officials...that is how totalitarianism works, welcome to the new United States courtesy of the GOP and supported by bigots and racists.
The irony is their lack of awareness about being the next target if they start to protest lack of jobs and inability to feed and shelter their families.
I highly doubt trumpism will be at their side.
4
By all means, let's decriminalize illegal immigration and offer them free healthcare - while Obamacare is designed fine me for not buying super expensive, lousy insurance plans.
8
When I came to Germany in 2001, they have received and welcomed our family even before the decisions were made. They provided from tooth brush to toilet paper. Our family was thankful to Germany and now the whole family is working for many communities, paying high amount of tax which is part of helping other natives who lost their jobs for various reasons.
Love and kindness are always two way streets. You will reap what you sow. Give love and love will be returned to you in many forms.
25
“‘It feels like a jail,’ said Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III of Massachusetts, ‘and they’re treating them like they’re in jail.’”
This statement is simply not true. In jail, prisoners are typically fed, provided with basic amenities, and granted access to legal representation.
Additionally, jails have a strong financial incentive to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens. Then again, jails are where we hold people that we still consider to be human.
God bless America. We’re certainly going to need it.
9
@ubique
Except no one willingly checks into a US prison.
1
In 1975 I worked in a county jail in Eugene, Oregon. A hood ornament for liberal and progressive communities. I lasted 18 months. I look back today on that experience and describe it as "soul murdering". The work was thankless, loud, smelly , dirty and occasionally dangerous. The work wasn't hard. Boring and repetitive? Yes. Hard? Never. Most of the people in custody were there for minor offenses and released within hours, sentenced offenders were there for a maximum of one year. The thing I noticed and served as the impetus for me to quit was the attitude of "seasoned" employees. Bored with the job, over time they had become completely desensitized to the needs of the people in their care and custody. They became cynical, indifferent and oftentimes cruel. Border Patrol agents running the facilities visited by AOC are no different than the correctional personnel I worked with in 1975. The mantra becomes, "it's a job and someone has to do it". Without vetting and continual review of standards all kinds of unqualified people can get hired. The jobs are not desirable and attract people who many times cannot find other forms of work. In the meantime people suffer...in this case the kids and the parents separated from their kids . Staff indifference is hard enough to overcome even in the most benign of custodial settings. In remote and isolated border facilities it is 100 times worse...and that leads to behavior such as experienced by AOC.
19
@Harley Leiber
You could almost say America runs on trauma, if Dunkins would just get my dose of sugar right!! Now my whole day is ruined!
When you are fueled by fear, the system operates like an insane asylum. Everyone has trauma venting their unseen spleens, and can't even treat themselves, much less their charges.
I've seen this kind of mean from a parent telling me he dealt regularly with rapists at his facility, so his kid should not be a problem for me. I'm a gang rape survivor, but don't tell him that. He'd probably have a panic attack. I recommend folks learn about trauma and the HPA axis as I am predicting we are gonna see a lot of that come the Fall.
1
On this impending July 4th celebration and the preparations for a military style parade in DC — I’d say a lot of what we do and are feels like a jail this year: can’t do this, can’t do that. . . . It’s not China or Russia but we aren’t what we used to either and that is very depressing.
5
Border Patrol agents take migrants caught crossing the border illegally to the nearest CBP processing station. CBP operates hundreds of processing stations like Clint Station. All border states have CBP stations. (New York has six.) They operate today exactly as they did under previous administrations.
CBP stations have no beds or cafeterias because they are not designed to hold people overnight. CBP expects migrants to spend no more than 12 hours at the stations before being released or transferred to long-term detention centers.
Clint Station opened in 2012. It is one of 11 CBP stations in the El Paso Sector. Clint Station is designed to hold no more than 100 people at a time. But on Memorial Day, Border Patrol agents arrested more than 2,200 illegal border crossers in the El Paso Sector—a one-day record. About 1,850 were apprehend as they crossed the Rio Grande directly into El Paso.
The tsunami of illegal border crossers overcrowded the Clint Station just as Democratic presidential candidates began televised debates. So the candidates are rushing to the El Paso Sector so they can deplored the overcrowded conditions before conditions return to normal.
11
Not enough is being said of the role Mexico has played in creating this crisis by knowingly allowing migrants free access through their country on their way to the US border. Migrants who are truly fleeing violence can find a relatively safe haven in Mexico with the accompanying benefits of a familiar language and culture. Mexico is just as capable of preventing mass migration across its own border as we are. Likewise, they they are legally and materially capable of discouraging a massive human pipeline through their country. And yes, they are just as capable of offering them amnesty, as so many of our vote-seeking representatives seem to think they are entitled to. Breaking and entering a country is not supposed to be a pleasant and economically profitable experience. Mexico may offer lesser economic opportunity than the US, but it's fair to expect them to pick up their share of responsibility for their role in creating and encouraging this crisis.
14
@WS
I happened to be a refugee in the early '90s in Europe. (Yu civil war). You need to apply for political asylum in the first safe country. In this case, Central Americans need to apply in Mexico. Economic hardship, poverty don't qualify. Persecution based on ethnicity, religion, political beliefs etc yes. I assume hardly any American is aware of this...
Such an affront to Congress and our democracy that these representatives were ordered to surrender their phones. Why exactly? They should have refused.
9
I would have walked in armed.
We are rightly proud of Ellis Island, a national treasure. Generations came here through its doorway to America, generations now come to visit and to gaze in wonder.
What will be the future of these "detention centers" on the southern border? A new generation of Americans is being forced to enter America through them--like cattle pens, or worse.
How will future generations remember them?
I wonder.
Don't tear them down. Leave them up. We need to remember what we once did, that we might never, NEVER, treat strangers and newcomers this way again.
Never.
11
@Paul McGlasson
Mr. McGlasson:
First, I think it is important to understand that Ellis Island was an entry point for legal immigration. Illegal immigrants such as undocumented Chinese persons were subject to immediate deportation or hard labor (See Geary Act). Additionally, immigrants who had no means to care for themselves or there families were denied entry under the Immigration Act of 1882. Moreover, legal immigrants entering the US through Ellis Island had no access to "welfare", education, minimum wage, workers compensation, drivers licenses healthcare or many of the other benefits of citizenship which are now common or being advocated for. Basically, the immigration system that Ellis Island was a part of was to allow immigrants into the country so that they could be exploited by industrialists so as to keep the wages of the working poor down and prevent unionization.
You really should go look at images of Ellis Island before you make statements about "cattle pens" or what a treasure Ellis Island was. History does not support your idealized vision.
Ellis Island was originally funded by a "head tax" on all immigrants that passed through its gates. These taxes paid for the immigration facilities.
Illegal immigration hurts the fiscal health of our fellow citizens who are struggling to make ends meet and quite frankly, if one does not want to be put in a "cattle pen" don't come.
We can not take of our own poor, we do not need more.
3
@Paul McGlasson
So let everyone in, unimpeded?
Make them all citizens?
Grant them access to our social safety nets?
Didn’t think that one through, did you?
And I’d bet they’d all vote Democrat too!
Gotta keep them free govt goodies coming!
2
@Paul McGlasson People came through Ellis island legally. Nobody is forcing these illegals to come through cattle pens. They should be coming through legal points of entry. Anybody crossing the border illegally deserves 0 sympathy.
1
Hi!
I've told this story years ago but I suspect that it needs to be repeated. Just as Vietnam fell, I was in Army basic training and there was an undocumented Hispanic was in our platoon. The Army fixed him up and made him legal. No one complained. It has been my experience that these people will put their lives on the line and pay their dues if y' all know what I mean and I think that some of y' all do. I don't understand why the US Government is being so quick to judge these people. Keep in mind that much of the southwest part of our country was once a part of Mexico and it is as crazy as the rest of the nation as far as I am concerned.
To me, this situation is similar to our pot dilemma. In this case it seems cheaper to legalize it and, with the reduction in people placed in the justice system and prisons as well as sales taxes, it seems like a "no brainer," so to speak. And keep in mind that we don't see dead bodies all over the streets where it has been legalized.
Well the same thing applies to these immigrants. I suggest that our government fill out the necessary forms at least to get work permits and let them go to sink or swim like the rest of us. It would be cheaper.
9
It is easy to criticize Trump but we've seen a surge of migrants hitting the border. They are not citizens and it is unlikely that many of them will become citizens or receive refugee status. As such, we need to house them has humanely as possible until they are adjudicated and for the most part returned to their home countries. The US did not create this problem and Trump is correct in calling out Mexico in simply allowing large numbers of people to simply move unobstructed through their territory to come to American borders. Imagine if we simply created a conduit and moved all migrants from the Mexican border and moved them to the Canadian border and simply pushed to the other side? Net, net, we should work to treat people humanely but the system is overwhelmed and the answer is not to simply let people illegally flow into the US with an expectation that they will show up for adjudication on their own since we have the evidence of history and 10M people who are here illegally
17
The story contains a very shocking fact -- that the Democrat lawmakers who visited these facilities voted AGAINST an aid package to alleviate conditions to a system that clearly is underfunded to deal with a surge of immigrants far greater than anticipated. Why? It makes for great politics, photo-ops, and leverage to demonize both our border patrol officers and by extension the Trump administration. If they really cared they would not be using the immigrants as political footballs for their aims but would be working in a bipartisan fashion to fix the crisis. As Trump would say *SAD*, and guess what, I vote Democrat.
21
@michaelf
Read why they voted against it, there is nothing in it that states it has to be used to alleviate conditions for migrants, not even a toothbrush or a bar of soap. The bill the democrats proposed, which was shot down, had requirements that would have mandated alleviating the situation for migrants.
19
Michael, you could have written Republicans in the Senate voted AGAINST aid to those people at the border. However, the Democrats in the House eventually accepted the Senate package because the need was so great. Even though it is likely the Republicans (or Trump cultists) will lie and the funds won’t help the poor at our border.
5
@michaelf
The private companies running these detention centers get upwards of $750.00/day/person. Where is the money going if not into the pockets of the owners?
If we think we have an immigration problem now, wait until the effects of climate change make a large portion of the planet
uninhabitable. I read a report earlier today about a city in India now running out of water. In Guatemala, lack of water makes farming impossible, hence they are migrating to the U.S. out of desperation.
It won't get better simply by ignoring the evidence which is what Trump advocates.
25
@allen roberts the climate has always been changing. Mother Nature and our good lord above adjust to the needs of human life. One thing the climate politicians don't understand is that when the climate changes drastically as it has in the Midwest providing an over abundance of water guess what happens? More trees and vegetation grow and all that sunlight makes the vegetation breath carbon dioxide and via a process called photosynthesis the same vegetation exhales Oxygen. Who'd Thunk it? The more climate change the more plants = less carbon dioxide and more oxygen. Go Climate Change!!
2
@RS
In 2010 anthropogenic emissions (not including land use change) were approximately 9167 million metric tonnes. A mature tree holds approximately 13 lbs (5.9 kg) of carbon per year which equates to 169.6 trees per metric tonne of emissions.
So to take up all of the emissions from 2010 you would need 1,545,000,000,000 trees. A mature forest has only about 100 trees per acre (400 per hectare), so you would need 15,545,000,000 acres of mature forest. This equals an area of 24,290,000 mi2 (62,910,000 km2). This is approximately the land area of Asia, Europe, and Australia combined!
The surface area of land on the planet is about 150,000,000 km2, so in principle we would need to add cover onto 42% of the current land (or we could take soil from deep ocean floors to landfill 1/5th of the oceans!) in order to plant enough trees to solve the problem.
The lord has nothing to do with this, this is science and unfortunately its not on our side.
5
It feels like jail because it is jail. They are being detained for illegal entry. Few have legitimate asylum claims as shown by the low success rates following immigrant court rulings. However, the conditions should improve now with the new approved funding that the left wing of the democratic party refused to accept.
23
Sh, interesting you mention low rates of success in asylum claims - how can you know with the metering going on and lack of resources to the courts?
2
Yes, it’s the Left Wing’s fault that the Trump Administration has decided to treat asylum seekers as first class felons.
3
I've been watching Deadwood. It's portrayal of racist animosity in post civil war America sounds just like the animosity exhibited by those trump supporters, who hurled insults at the visiting congressional delegation, and the border guards who delight in dehumanizing their charges.
If America is becoming more like Deadwood, then there is nothing great about that at all.
16
The borders agents who participated in a secret Facebook page disparaging those in their care are cowards and beneath the dignity of those who they are detaining.
Fire them all without any pensions or benefits.
That the lawmakers touring the facility were forced to relinquish their cell phones is all we need to know about what's going on.
30
I am sure threre are very decent people that are horrified by these scenes, but one must acknowledge that the reason why many migrants bring children in such a very difficult and long voyage - from Rumania, even from the Congo Republic - is that legally, parents arriving with minors cannot be deported immediately.
19
And who is there to leave them with? Would you leave your child behind?
5
@S.G.
How thoughtless of parents who bring their children with them as they struggle to find a new and better life!
2
@Rea Tarr
I know plenty of Latin American immigrants, most of them men but some women too. The vast majority leave the family in their own countries until they secure their position here.
1
feels like a jail?
are they not deliberately behaving criminally by crossing a border illegally?
please try to cross into Mexico, Russia, China, or anywhere, with no documents and report back on their treatment of illegal immigrants to me.
40
So you’re saying that the United States treats immigrants less brutally than China? Not exactly a glowing endorsement.
14
@Joe Yo In a lot of countries if you try sneaking across the border, you are shot. But here, the democrats want to house them in hotels and welcome all of them in. Essentially open borders.
8
@Joe Yo
When other nations do monstrous things, it is up the the U.S. to do the same -- or go one better. Right, Joe Yo?
2
What disturbs me the most about this visit were those Facebook postings of our Border Patrol Agents. How do these individuals get these jobs??? I ask the same question of police forces that are pastroling our cities and states. Certainly, the vetting of the credentials of these individuals would reveal certain patterns of behavior that let us say would move their application to the bottom of the pile.
13
@Amanda Jones What does one's social media posting have to do with one's ability to perform a job?
4
Everything, when you work in a job requiring interactions with people. Hospitals follow their staff’s social media accounts and take actions against “offenders.” So probably do other organizations.
8
@Amanda Jones
When you look at who are the police and the prison guards in history, you find that all are, essentially, people who need to feel superior to someone; who need to be in control; who can release frustration by savaging a weaker or helpless human (or animal.) We called the police "pigs" when I was young. I've never apologized for that.
3
“It feels like a jail”
The asylum seekers are confined behind fences. It does not only feel like jail. It is like jail.
For a nation of immigrants that prides itself to be a liberal democracy that treats people equally and with the respect that any human deserves these camps are a disgrace.
Other liberal democracies overwhelmed with many more asylum seekers in shorter time needn't resort to detention centers. Why this country?
The problem would not even exist, if the US had diplomatic representation in Central America that was open to asylum applications. How did Representative Omar's family, for example, come to the US? They did not have to embark on a perilous journey through South America to reach the Southern border? Why must asylum seekers from Central America go on this trip?
Perhaps the US and the asylum seekers would be best served, if the US set up legal mechanisms to request asylum in Central America and decisions would be taken on location.
12
This is rich coming from a group, including the NYT Editorial Board, that denied vehemently that there was a border crisis just a few months ago.
One suspects they only started acknowledging the problem when it became so bad they could easily cast all the blame on Trump. Unfortunately, their plan backfired.
38
Build the wall.
Apprehend, Detain, and Deport ALL illegal border crossers.
Arrest Sanctuary State, Sanctuary County, and Sanctuary City elected officials.
Support ICE.
39
Don’t feel good about yourself thinking you have solved anything. Put your mind to comprehend the human rights abuses that have become routine and supported which actually put money in private pockets. We are already spending $700 a day on each migrant but corners are cut for drinkable water and hygiene yet adding guns held on women crowded together in cells. Don’t forget the reason you are here yourself is because a family member endured great hardship to come to this country for a better economic opportunity and very possibly to escape violence. Don’t forget the masses of seniors and babies here who are taken care of by foreign born women with compassionate care and tiny wages. It’s been divide and conquer since Trump came in and everyone but him and those who kickback to him are paying a price that is too high for this gig economy.
6
And make them drink of the toilets, too?
2
@Sam Freeman - Yup, this is what happens when you lack, or lose, all human empathy. From your words, it would appear that you do not see these migrants as people, at least not as having the same human dignity and human rights as "Americans". Jefferson wrote that ALL men are created equal, with certain unalienable rights - human rights. When we, in a situation of privilege, dehumanize others, think of them as less than human, eschew all thoughts of empathy, this is what we get. You lean on some definition of "legal" or "illegal" to justify your xenophobic hate - they "broke the law" so they deserve to be "treated like criminals". But they have not broken the law, they have fled for their lives and legally presented themselves for asylum. The answer is not "open borders", just letting any and all migrants flood in. But it just as certainly is not caging and abusing vulnerable people. Conservative politicians are happy to perpetuate the problem because it works for their purpose of whipping up hate in the base against "the other".
1
Isn't the definition of Migrant to the US anyone whose forbears were not indigenous Americans? When did it become anyone who wasn't white?
12
The definition of “migrant” hasn’t changed. The source of most recent migration has.
4
@G Rayns Please differentiate between people coming through ports of entry legally and those just walking across illegally.
4
It should feel like a jail.
These people are breaking our laws.
"Migrant Holding Sites"... Media double speak.
We need to do something with these illegal aliens until we can send them back, since some politicians don't want to make our borders safe.
Democratic candidates...will they pay the costs to put them up and let them live for free in their constituents' neighborhoods?
We are the only country in the world who even debates this nonsense. No where else can you sneak in the back door and get expected to be treated like someone owes you something. Why do we even have airport security? Seems hypocritical.
29
@Kimbo Wrong on every point. However, I will address one-if they surrender themselves and ask for asylum, they are complying with the law. Period.
14
And make them drink out of the toilets and intimidate the women and forbid them from bathing and deny them medication? Who are. You that you can see these people as less than human? Did this happen to your people when they arrived here?
6
I love this argument so often posed by Right Wing patriots. American Exceptionalism; America is the greatest country on Earth and like no other. On the other hand, if other countries do it, why can’t we?
The American public, and not only Trump/GOP supporters, are sick and tired of shading tears to the disaster illegal immigrants bring on themselves. Find ways to more efficiently close the boarder, and if illegals have breached catch them and swiftly release on the South side of the American boarder. Thus would stop illegals suffering. There are too many poor American children that need to be taken careThis idealized liberal fantasy of opening boarders and absorbing illegals is merely a utopic wish. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is part of this lunatic approach and embraces it to pay homage to her base.
37
I guess Congress should appropriate funds to build Hotels st the border for the Immigrants
14
@Glenn
Hotels? No, just humane treatment.
12
Just another partisan photo op for Ocasio-Cortez. As usual she fails to mention that these detainment facilities and "cages" where built during the Obama administration, and that Obama incarcerated more illegal aliens in his last year in office than Trump has in any year of his presidency. Where was the Democrat, liberal and progressive anger and outrage then?
29
@paul I'll tell you ,I was in trucking cross country and there were convoys of buses 24/7 directly from Mexico.They obviously were let through the border by authorities. They stopped at travel centers /truck stops from the southwest and all the way north through Virginia .Loads of young adult males from Mexico would get out of the buses.I've seen thousands back then ,during Obama.The ones they sent back then were just a drop in the bucket,for publicity.
6
@paul
The facilities aren't the problem, here. It's the overcrowding, the lack of decency, the filth, the ugliness, the evil. Trump's way, in other words.
3
There was plenty, you just weren’t paying attention.
1
All the readers arguing either the merits or cons of the current immigration system are missing the point entirely.
Border patrol agents confiscating the phones of Congresspersons on a fact-finding mission and prohibiting them drop talking to detainees??? Violating the first amendment by blocking the press???
This is the stuff of third-world authoritarian regimes. I had no idea so many of my fellow countrymen were so evil. Yes, I said evil.
19
The conditions must be made humane, but it should feel like a prison because first, they are illegals, and second, some of them are gang members hiding among the ordinary migrants. The Democrats continue to drift to the left on an issue that many voters believe could be handled better, but is not the most pressing issue in America.
17
@Isle
Refugees or asylum seekers are not criminals or illegals as you call them. They are people fleeing poverty, violence, or both. The least we can do is treat them as human beings.
3
As a taxpayer I can say this: I don't care what the Border Patrol thinks. That's not their job.
9
wait.....don't people who break the law go to jail? so....the illegal immigrants, who broke the law, are put in jail. SHOCKING
18
@concerned citizen 1
Visit a jail near you. And compare the treatment of prisoners with the pigsty conditions of the detention camps. (An "immigrant" cannot be "illegal;" not all people who "break the law" go to jail; jails are not the subject of this discussion.)
1
Obviously our border scene is a disgrace. But, I've been wondering: just how many empty buses has Canada been sending southward each week to assist in ameliorating this very difficult situation?
15
@thcatt
And Iceland, too. Don't forget Iceland!
2
What does Canada have to do with this? Some of these comments are just beyond belief
1
@AR
Yeah, it must be nice to have to have such a thick barrier between one and such a dismal access zone. And... military protection to boot!
1
Governments and old alliances are falling apart, trump is trashing our reputation, the world is on fire and Americans are demanding:
"Who's on 'Dancing With The Stars' tonight?"
4
The Left is Trump's best friend.
It will assure his reelection in 2020.
It is not enough to go into an election against the worst President the US has ever had, if you yourself have no plan except for a path into utter chaos.
18
If it gets worse, might these lawmakers begin to offer to house migrants in their own homes? Or is the “crisis” not quite that critical?
16
@Philip Greenspun
Phil: The notion that a position on public policy is invalid unless someone takes the entire burden of the problem on themselves is invalid.
I'm not willing to give all my money to the poor, because I'm just as selfish as the next person. But I do believe that those who can afford it, including myself, should pay more in taxes so that we can have a system of universal singer payer health care.
Similarly, I'm not willing to turn my home into a migrant shelter, but I do believe that, by chipping in together, we can provide humane treatment for our fellow human beings at the southern border.
The accident of being born on one side of the border does not make me a righteous moral agent in this situation, and the desperate women and children in those shelters criminals.
8
@James Mathis Prior to the migrant wave cresting, the U.S. had a shortage of millions of units of affordable housing. The median American income is not sufficient to pay the rental or mortgage cost of a newly constructed apartment. Unless you believe that typical undocumented migrants will earn far above the current median wage for native-born Americans, where will they live if not in the spare rooms of the well-wishers?
@Philip Greenspunds
Phil,
I suggest that they will live somewhere better than on a concrete floor covered by a piece of aluminum foil because, Phil, America is a rich and fundamentally decent country.
For 4 decades, we have redistributed the entire increase in wealth created by the bottom 80% of the population to the upper 20%. We topped this off with a trillion dollar dose of socialism for the one-percenters with the Trump tax giveaway.
A trillion dollars buys a lot of decent housing. And as I said, Phil, America is a fundamentally decent country, even if the Republican party has temporarily lost its way and become a fearful, small, resentful cult.
You only need to listen to Trump, the people around him, conservative media like Fox and talk radio, and the GOP to know that what is going on in those prisons is not accidental.
America has many problems; the people being abused in these facilities are scapegoats for our own failures. It is far easier to demonize the powerless than it is to face our own demons.
America is becoming less great every day - but rather than face up to our challenges (racism, inequality, climate, sexism, etc.) we are allowing ourselves to be manipulated by sociopathic leaders who know how to exploit this dark energy for their own gain.
It CAN happen here. It is happening here.
10
The inhumanity, and actual brutality, being revealed in the internment facilities housing detained immigrants seeking refugee status [aka "concentration camps"] is an indictment of Donald Trump that amounts to "crimes against humanity" [an impeachable offense of a "high crime"]. Psychologists [Disclosure: I'm a retired psychology professor] have long-known since the ill-fated Stanford Prison Study that such brutality is a direct result of creating "a jail." It's time to, as someone might say, "rebrand" these jails into "hospitality centers" run perhaps by NGOs like the Red Cross that would treat these detainees as human beings. Calling all immigrants "rapists and criminals" as Trump proclaimed when announcing his candidacy and then implementing a punitive policy is unworthy of America. It reflects the callousness of an autocratic narcissist incapable of any compassion. It must end if we're to save any semblance of what really makes America great.
9
Over the last half century, the US raided their countries, depleting natural resources for profit and installing tin pot dictators in the process, and when resultant circumstances become unbearable, we sneer and scorn anyone from there seeking help.
It's the same with the Middle East. We and our allies bomb Iraq out of near existence just to regulate it's oil market, disrupting the Middle East across the board, and then cry and hue when Middle Easterners start looking for a better life on the European continent.
I weep for my country and its inability and unwillingness to take a good hard look at itself.
7
So we know this, Trump has been trying to use immigration as a wedge issue. We all agree on this. However he did say and homeland security were saying this was a crisis and so many people were coming they couldn't handle it. Democrats and the media laughed said it wasn't a crisis, and now they say it's a crisis. And still some vote against the bill to help fund all this. It just shows no matter how awful Trump is all politicians are just as cynical in using this drum up votes. AOC isn't about solving issues, she is about pandering and getting power.
13
After Abu Ghraib, it’s not very shocking at all to see what people are capable of. These would be unacceptable conditions for a prison let alone a detention center.
Asking why it would ever be okay for Americans to treat people this way is completely separate from the issue of whether or not all or any should ever be allowed in.
I don’t support open borders. I don’t support a path to citizenship for anyone here illegally. But I also don’t support this.
12
I say this coming from a family of lifelong Democrats -- This whole controversy looks like a campaign ad for Donald Trump. Is Ocasio-Cortez aware that she just might be the foil Trump needs to win re-election? Someone please tell her to go away.
15
Empaths & compassionate educators of theater arts are battling these nightmare conditions with active words. The Playwrights Sanctuary - directed by 40 year experienced university professor & dramatist Dr. Larry Myers is helping newer writers investigate & dramatize these challenging phenomena. A service/learning concept informs their manifesto -- Church, research, objective analysis. The late Edward Albee endorsed this tri - coastal theater foundation.
This too will pass by the wayside UNLESS Democrats can be "creative" about getting the word out WIDELY to Americans. Graphic images and videos (much more than words) can affect change, but only if they go VIRAL. Democrats should be putting their heads together and considering... how can we effectively reach Americans with this message?
2
@Tom
Judging from the response to this horror -- as seen by the hateful comments here, and the approval they're receiving -- the more we brutalize the migrants, the happier a growing swarm of xenophobic Americans will be.
And Mitch McConnell stands by and let's it happen. He has sold his soul to this President for judge appointments, overturning Roe v. Wade and tax cuts.
4
Think back to Meryl Streep’s prescient comments at the 2017 Golden Globes.
“And this instinct to humiliate, when it’s modeled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful, it filters down into everybody’s life, because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing. Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose. And that brings me to the press. We need the principled press to hold power to account, to call them on the carpet for every outrage. That’s why the founders enshrined the press and its freedoms in our Constitution.”
Donald is the bully in chief, turning his ire on the free world, but especially the powerless. His goon squad, Junior, Scavino, Miller and Fox et al amplify this. He has been screeching about immigrants and building a wall since 2015. Apparently, the tank and file of the CBP has taken that to heart, if their private Facebook page is representative. It’s nearly 50% of agents, not just a few bad apples. But they will justify their actions by pointing out the direction from the top.
Thanks to ProPublica and the many journalists who have fearlessly, ferociously reported on this story.
On November 3, 2020 vote for truth and decency.
13
Indeed no one wants open borders. There are a lot of American citizens living in poverty too. Are they getting the attention that people from other countries are getting? Why do people illegally entering the country get to jump the line?
17
@Boutros
Are you suggesting that it's OK to mistreat the migrants in detention because lots of Americans live in poverty? What evidence have you seen that the migrants are getting to "jump the line?" (What line?)
Didn't the Nuremberg trials create a legal precedent that "just following my orders" was not a legal defense? I don't think it is a defense for a Border Agent either. Do they think Trump is going to protect them? His own lawyer has gone to prison.
God save the United States.
6
What we see with this crisis are the rabid followers of Donald Trump placing loyalty to a person (Trump) over basic human rights. Demonstrators (and other Trump supporters) now feel free to publicly vilify and threaten lawmakers. Notice the demonstrators aren't only carrying anti-immigration banners, but instead they're waving banners with the President's name. It is no longer about supporting a political position; it has now turned into blindly supporting the person no matter the consequences, risk, or damage to our political process. Meanwhile, Republicans do nothing, not even speaking out about the harassment of their colleagues. We have entered a very scary times for our democracy, as the border crisis clearly shows us.
5
The unspoken truth is that AOC and other left wing Democrats support the same socialist policies that caused these terrible conditions in Latin America.
I agree that the migrants seeking asylum need to be treated humanely by the wealthiest country on earth. But don’t let those in Congress get away with espousing even greater budget deficits and a socialist agenda that will make the USA weaker.
People will do anything to come to America for a reason- what we do here works to make people’s lives better.
15
@Conservative Democrat There is already a socialist system of sorts, has been for a long time, taxes that rich states pay are given to poor states to prop them up.
Do you think that is wrong?
In 2017, Kentucky received $40 billion more from the federal government than it paid in taxes.
1
Impeachment won’t solve this problem. Let’s get bipartisan legislative policy, now! And an executive that can write it into law. If it doesn’t happen, clean house— From Trump to Pelosi to AOC to McCarthy.
Protect the border, protect asylum seekers stopped at the border. Work with Guatemala and Mexico. Just get it done. This should not be an impossible ask. And it shouldn’t take years
1
What Trump failed to mention is that Border Patrol isn’t happy with the Republicans in congress, either, and the American people aren’t happy with any of them. Both parties are milking the situation for all it’s politically worth. Mitch McConnell won’t let anybody vote on proposed solutions anyways, but Trump is fixated on building a wall that won’t work, and Democratic proposals look weak and inadequate. It’s an immigrant tragedy first, but an American political system tragedy second, where both parties are happier tolerating the problem than they are with working together on the hard solutions.
1
Lies lies lies on both sides. It’s very hard to know the truth in 2019. Maybe they should allow the fine people of Clint to inspect just what is happing in THEIR town. Then let the people tell what they have seen. At this point I do not believe anyone in Washington and that my friend is a disgrace.
1
Weren't 2.9 million people deported during the Obama administration? Didn't Hilary Clinton, Ted Kennedy and Chuck Schumer vote on numerous occasions to build a wall and militarize our southern border? Why is this all of a sudden a humanitarian crisis...? Oh, right, 2020... I forgot.
But wait... if Obama, Clinton, Kennedy, Schumer, et. al. are implicated in this mess, then what difference does next year's election really make?
14
These are asylum seekers not illegal immigrants. You’re confusing the two. I’m guessing on purpose to make your incorrect point.
2
Bryan, thanks for the clarification. I'm sure the situation will get worked out if we elect a democrat in 2020.
Unless, of course, these asylum seekers are fleeing places like Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala or Venezuela, whose communities have been seriously undermined by democratic politicians of late.
1
I notice obama is very silent on the problem that he created.
11
"Feels like a Jail..."??
IT IS A JAIL.
10
I hate Trump.
But...
These people are gaming our asylum laws to cut in line ahead of other immigrants.
The mad rush it has created has clearly overwhelmed our systems.
This is a losing issue for Democrats.
33
Our nation has surrendered our sense of justice and decency to Trump and his goons. The Statue of Liberty should be taken down and replaced with an equally large statue of an immigrant woman whose child is being ripped from her arms by border agents.
2
The illegal aliens can leave the detention centers anytime they want. All they have to do is return to Mexico or their home country. The illegal aliens should not be here in the first place.
I admire the Border Patrol for defending our southern border against this onslaught of indigents and criminals who have no value to American Society. The Border Patrol will always have my support.
21
This is false. They cannot waltz out at any time.
2
@John Quinn
"this onslaught of indigents and criminals who have no value to American Society."
I'm sorry John, I may have missed something. Have you interviewed these women and children in order to make a determination of their value to our society?
If someone had applied that test to your ancestors or mine, would we be having this discussion in the comments section of a free and independent newspaper?
3
The toilet thing is certainly gross. But if that's the worst the most progressive wing of the country can pull together after a visit to the centers, I don't see CBP being in any sort of trouble. If anything, they will get a slap on the wrist by congress and adopt an action plan.
2
The Democrats are unfit for leadership. I hope they get wiped out next year.
17
Well funny how Trump can break the law and move billions for a wall that is useless but can't find the money for food and water for the helpless children at the border. Sad
All CBP agents that posted offensive material on FB should be fired and FB should also be accountable.
5
Obviously corners are being cut. $700 federal money paid to these facilities for each migrant inside could well afford food water and basic conditions for health at the very least. Someone is getting very rich off this scheme.
2
Perhaps it would be better if we put Trump in jail. Just saying.
5
We are a Nation at war with a dark force at work. It is only because of a relentless Press, Senators, Congresswomen and men, and Democratic Candidates going to these deplorable detention centers, documenting the injustices perpetrated by this Administration, that we know the truth. To see a photo of Trump supporters, holding signs and banners that echo Trump's hateful rhetoric, to hear someone yell, "We don't want Muslims here," at Representative Tlaib, should wake up every voter who is on the fence about who he or she will vote for come 2020. If we allow another 4 years of Trump, we lose every single hard-won battle for human rights and justice in this country and that means that you, too, will lose those rights.
7
It should feel like jail. They are here illegally.
22
And just how many years of experience do you have in immigration law?
I’ve only just started taking courses on the practice and the first thing I realized is just how out of their depth many armchair judges like yourself are when it comes to this subject. Even with years of legal practice in other areas under my belt and a solid law school education, this subject is still very complex and much more nuanced than you want it to be.
Do you think it’s reasonable to put all defendants with misdemeanor charges in prisons that sound like something out of a nightmare? When you start a court proceeding, the way the migrants approaching the border posts to affirmatively ask for asylum processes to begin are, should your children be taken away from you? Of course not.
The fact that you don’t even know what you don’t know is only part of the problem. The rest comes from refusing to even passively pick up that information.
4
Crossing the border is a misdemeanor under the law. Not equal to the human rights abuses like taking children from their parents among many other abuses such as withholding drinking water. Someone deserves to be judged and pay consequences for that.
5
@Liz Joyce
Where should these asylum-seekers await trial?
You have insulted another commenter and provided no answer.
5
The question is, if these allegations are true, the congress members who are making these allegations are the ones ultimately responsible for the present crisis situation at the border, so will they finally do their job and pass legislation to correct the problem or will they continue to demagogue?
6
@Rick
You mean legislation like the compromise immigration bill worked out in a bipartisan committee (the 'Gang of 8 Senators' 4 R and 4 D) that was killed in the House under John Boehner? That kind of comprehensive legislation?
Or in a more immediate context, the additional funding that was introduced and passed in the House that was weakened in the Senate - removing all restrictions on what that money could be used for (so it now can be funneled into building the wall instead of care for the detained asylum seekers and expansion of the immigration courts so that the asylum requests can be adjudicated?
This country was built on genocide and slavery. Those two sins have never been dealt with. The fact that the 'good' people whose parents emigrated from other lands to this one are now abusing another group of people is not surprising at all.
It starts at the top. The 'good' people are following a very bad man, a man who wishes to join the dictator's club. This man wants punishment for these people. The punishment should be rained down upon the Republican businessmen, like Trump, who refuse to use E-Verify and continue to use undocumented people as very cheap labor.
Climate Change is destabilizing the Americas. Somebody good and smart needs to be replace Trump because Trump's way is cruel and is ineffective and stupid, only making things worse.
I'd love to see Jesus come back as a Guatemalan child and when treated inhumanely, smite the evangelicals down into dust.
4
Whether it's how Trump treated Puerto Rico after a devastating hurricane practically destroyed their entire infrastructure \or how he treats immigrants arriving at our southern border, almost as if their livestock arriving at feedlots, it's clear he's a racist.
Quite simply, Trump lacks the capacity for feeling empathetic to others, only attempting to show caring emotions when he's the chief benefactor.
4
The Secret Border Control Facebook Group was captured by Propublica as they traded derogatory statements. These racist, misogynists were on government paid time; some were on retirement benefits. They were aping the behaviour that comes from the White House and Congress. Words don't matter?
5
Don't hold these people who illegally sneak into the country. Ship them back to where they came from. On the way out give them instructions and application as to legal immigration.
17
We must end these detentions.
We must end family separations at the border.
We must end the deaths in the rivers and deserts.
The only way to do this is with a policy of maximum deterrence.
1. No more hiring of illegal aliens. Mandatory E-Verify, including in CA, which has currently prohibits it. Massive I-9 audits and fines for any business that has illegal alien employees.
2. No more sanctuary cities/states.
3. Build the 280 mile border fence requested by CBP. If it’s not effective, expand it.
4. Sign Safe Third Country agreements with Mexico and Guatemala.
5. Rapidly process any illegal border crossers or asylum seekers and repatriate them immediately.
Anyone who cares about the deaths, separations, and detentions must join in the effort to remove all incentives and increase disincentives.
15
As Hannah Arendt observed, the ascendency of evil is enabled when "good" people do nothing.
A clinical understanding of what is happening in these government operated camps might best begin with a review of the infamous Milgram and Zimbardo experiments. They demonstrated how easily a perceived authority can obtain participation from a majority of ordinary people in performing acts of cruelty.
But in the case of these camps, the infectious effects of that psychopathic behavior are not confined to the enthusiastic perpetrators.
Indeed, the demagoguery with which it is supported and justified by the highest levels of government has
produced widespread responses. They range from denial to disregard to acceptance and approval of the indecency and atrocities. The failure of moral resistance to halt the offenses is a confirming measure of our decaying culture.
It is the concentration of that evil that earns that name for those camps.
5
The Secret Border Control Facebook Group was captured by Propublica as they traded derogatory statements. These racist, misogynists were on government paid time; some were on retirement benefits. They were aping the behaviour that comes from the White House and Congress. Words don't matter?
3
Another photo-op for New York’s unquantified congresswoman. The question should be “what have you done to fix immigration policies and minimize this crisis Ms. Cortez?”
20
@Ross Burns
It's not clear AOC understands her role. She still acts like a college protestor, albeit one with a much bigger megaphone, and confuses peevish retorts for intelligent responses.
Perhaps it's time for the media to actually engage her on what, specifically, she thinks her job is.
6
In this Jail the back door is always open. They can go back anytime they like.
17
Clearly Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doesn't spend much time in her own district.
There's a rather notorious "detention center" in her backyard we call Riker's Island.
This facility - where people are held before trial and are considered innocent - is notoriously violent, and dangerous. It's a place where American citizens are subjected to beatings from brutal guards, beatings from gangs, rape, and horrid conditions.
Her district also includes filthy, overcrowded homeless shelters and public housing so squalid that the Department of Housing and Urban Renewal had to seize control from New York City.
Warren "Bill de Blasio Sounds More Ethnic Than My Real Name" Willhelm's leadership failures should merit some attention from a representative of one of the worst districts in the city. Instead, she considers her fellow socialist a "thought leader".
Perhaps she should focus on her own district and American citizen first.
17
@Johannes de Silentio
She clearly has never seen the inside of a prison cell. She confused the toilet and sink combo for the toilet. Normally, this would be an embarrassing blunder for a politician, but the media cuts her a lot of slack.
16
This is what happens when a system is overwhelmed. The alternative is large tent cities which put officers at risk. Detention is exactly that detention. It’s not the a weekend at the Waldorf. AOC is a crazed socialist who has ignored her own district and is looking to make a splash in the news. Her constituents will dump her the first chance they get!
19
It’s too bad the congressional delegation announced their visit beforehand.
1
Another example of how Republicans have created a society where norms, rules, and laws only apply to others, never to white conservatives. In 2017, an employee of a government contractor was fired when a photo showed her flipping Trump the bird as his motorcade drove past her on a Virginia road (yes, of course he was returning from a golf outing). Yet, thousands of BP agents can demean lawmakers and joke about migrant deaths and nothing happens to them.
In two days, the dear leader will celebrate America's independence from a tyrannical ruler by acting like a tyrannical ruler and watching our tanks and planes. And the news media will broadcast it as if it's normal. It's not normal...it is another step towards fascism.
4
The Democrats are making big mistake concentrating on migrant camps, etc. There are millions and millions of Americans that need help. Whey not start visiting homeless shelters around the country. Public housing in disrepair. Young people sitting in prisons, unable to make bail for minor crimes. The American people will start saying Enough, already with immigration.
22
All U.S. citizens of conscience should be working to stop this descent into barbarism.
5
@ High School... I agree. Democrats are barbaric in encouraging people to make a dangerous trek in hopes of getting free stuff when they enter the US and fraudulently claim asylum. This irresponsible rhetoric directly leads to great physical and emotional pain for these folks. This barbarism MUST stop now!
4
The dehumanisation of America is well underway. This administration sinks further into the dark abyss of inhumanity on a daily basis.
6
"...is not happy with the Democrats in Congress." says the "leader" who sets the tone that quite possibly encourages the behavior of those employees of ours.
Trump must not understand many of us are not happy with him, his minions McConnell and Graham, and the rest of his cabal of swamp dwellers.
Yes, many will state those migrants should have not come here, and if they do, expect poor treatment. I must ask, would you have wanted your immigrant parents, grandparents, great-great grandparents (you know, those who came before you) to be treated in an inhumane manner?
And no, many of those migrants are not criminal if they are seeking asylum.
What a sad spectacle we make of ourselves when we wrap ourselves in our flag, don a red hat, and proclaim we are the best patriots that can be found.
No, you are not. My country, the country you defile, is better than this terrible treatment of others and patriotism is not treating others is this manner.
Or, is it blatant racism? A couple of heckled comments make me believe that is the underlying issue-Trump and many of his followers should rid themselves of the red hats and don white hoods with points. The points would have a significance.
6
Open borders won't win in 2020. And decriminalizing illegal entry is the same as open borders.
23
Don't come illegally. This media - like all the rest - encourages breaking the law - and masquerades that abuse as humanitarian concern.
17
In Central America 99 percent of the arable land
is owned by 20 families.
There is your source of the problem.
13
@New World That will be the U.S. soon.
4
If it “feels like jail”, then don’t come in through the back door. File your papers and get in line with those law abiding folks who also want to come America.
18
We are not running a 5 star hotel for these illegals. The experience should be painful to act as a deterrent against future attempts. For those that use their children as pawns to gain access, I would make these conditions even worse. Its insanity that we can accommodate the whole world simply because they want to be here.
24
The hate and contempt shown by the CPB agents on their Facebook group is the best indicator of the "values" being represented by these--our agents--to a group of defenseless asylum seekers. We are talking women, children, grandmothers, family separations and a program of systematic dehuminzation.
Defenders of Guantanamo tried to use the 'bad apples' argument to defend torture, forgetting that the brief defending the use of torture was written and circulated at the highest levels. With this crisis to, the hawks with the 'cop mentality--enough mean-spirited enforcement and the problem will go away--have been given the green light, from the highest levels of this government, starting with Trum, Steven Miller and those who have been chosen to lead ICE and CPB.
Weep for the America that used to claim it was a beacon for democracy and a defender of human rights everywhere. We are now in the same company as Mao's China, Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Soviet Union.
7
Firs,t - no one, no Democrats or liberal, progressive that I know are for open borders. Repeat: no one is for open borders.
This is a problem that's been festering for years because the powers that be want cheap labor - that includes the majority of republican/conservative/corporate entities that hate paying taxes and own the republican party entirely as well as more than a few democrats.
When trump came down that escalator and declared Mexicans rapists and drug pushers, he used division and hate to turn the problem into a raging crisis. Instead of working to get at the root cause of these people fleeing their homes, he cruelly torments them to please his base.
The behaviors of his supporters and the Border Patrol agents as described in the ProPublica report is disgusting beyond words. I had no idea that so many of my fellow Americans harbored such hatred. Hatred to the extent that they find treating other human beings worse than animals funny.
Civility and decency are mocked. What atrocities are to come next? Something is broken here. trump broke it. The ugliness on display is shocking. To think that some of these people call themselves patriots and Christian... I have no words.
442
@Deb
I was returning to MA from the Northern Kingdom in Vermont late one night not long after September 11th after skiing at Craftsbury with a friend. We were astonished to find a road block on I91. At this stop, we were asked whether we were citizens. We are white, and speak English as a first language. I don't recall having to provide any identification, but both of us were highly amused that the officers were unaware of the VAST system- a network of snowmobile trails throughout the state leading to Canada. If anyone chose to head south, they would find myriad ways to do so instead of 91. I dob't know that much has been done in the years since to secure this border. It was open then, and I bet it's pretty open now.
15
@Deb
What you are now realizing is the conditioning of Americans. This has been going on since the Republic was formed. It is magnified today due to social media along with both internal and external manipulators. As children males are conditioned to want to go to war. As children females are conditioned to become home makers. The latter has changed some but still viable.
Our problems with hate are deeply, deeply rooted in our culture. That hate is handed down to us from our parents, our religions, and our government via a multitude of channels.
I fear that soon we will have our day of reckoning. Perhaps not in my lifetime (I am 58) but perhaps in my daughter's lifetime. Some of the greatest civilizations in history only lasted 300-400 years. There were others that lasted much longer but the "infrastructure" of those societies did not have the same challenges we do.
Just my humble opinion of course.
15
@Deb
“Firs,t - no one, no Democrats or liberal, progressive that I know are for open borders. Repeat: no one is for open border.”
But you oppose a physical barrier and want to abolish ICE? Your actions bespeak your intentions of open borders.
26
When did Republicans decide that kindness and compassion was a mockable offense? Oh yeah, when they replaced their worship of God with worship of Trump.
8
The behavior of some Border Patrol guards is understandable ( but awful and should not be tolerated): Trump their President is, as usual, going them the message that verbal attacks on his critics are perfectly fine, and the most vulgar language acceptable, because - the inhabitants of those cages - and his opponents - are less than human.
By keeping refugees in large groups without sufficient water, food or bath and toilet facilities -- it makes it easier to see them as animals.
Which is what the the Nazis did so well.
Dealing with the influx of people IS a problem: Trump's voice is despicable. Daring to keep members of Congress out of facilities is also reprehensible. To obstruct the ability of those in detainment to speak to others, or others to communicate with them, is a violation of human rights.
Frankly, creating tent cities with adequate supplies for families, is a better idea. What about the massive capabilities of the Army to create temporary housing quickly? What's happened to our pride as a country that could fix problems?
Perhaps it's the years of ignoring our own income inequality. Creating enemies to blame, and to distract those struggling from the roots of their problems, is an old political tactic. The numbers of refugees at the border is too much to handle in THIS way: that doesn't mean it's impossible for the richest country in the world to develop better ways.
Could Trump be right: we are no different from Russia or China or Saudi Arabia?
4
If what they are doing is humane and according to our (God's and international) laws, journalists, legislators, inspectors, would be welcome and all Americans would be witnesses to what the government does in our name. If what you do is so righteous, you should be able to do it under scrutiny from the world.
10
For the love of ...
These people are *not* "illegal immigrants" they are asylum applicants as allowed for and defined by law, Title 8 Section 1158.
All you immigration hardliners should become much more familiar with the actual asylum laws before you start flinging language like "illegal" and "criminal" around.
The criminal behavior is mostly on the part of Trump, Barr, ICE and BCP twisting or ignoring the requirements of Title 8 of the US Code.
14
America is first in money, arms and prisoners.
A result of the amoral historical malign confluence of unfettered and unhinged capitalism, militarism and racism that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. warned was the realization of the worst American nightmare.
10
$4.5 billion for 500000 border crossings is $9000 per person or $2 billion for 13500 children currently in custody works out to $150000 per child. Am I missing something?
9
As a rational person I do not believe the statements made by the illegal aliens to the Congressional reps. in this article. It is total hyperbole. I also believe that the reps wanted to believe this and pass it on to the media. The reps in this article are against the Immigration laws and thus lack believability.
17
@Donald I wish you had explained why as a "rational person" you don't believe the allegations of the people being held by our government. How do you know it's "total hyperbole"? They are not "illegal aliens"; they are asylum seekers who exercised their right under US law and turned themselves in to border patrol agents. And what about the racist Facebook site for and by border patrol agents that was viewed and reported on by ProPublica? Democrat propaganda? Why don't you lay your cards on the table? You don't want Central Americans moving to the US as asylum seekers or for any other reason.
4
Then one should believe ones own eyes. FYI, there is more than Fox "new" out there.
There is no question that Trump must be impeached. Separating kids from their
parents while purposely ensuring their reunion will be difficult if not impossible. Putting children in cages. Refusing to provide life-saving medication. These aren’t just high crimes and misdemeanors under US law - they are crimes against humanity. These transgressions are only a sliver of what this man has done and continues to do every day to try to destroy our democracy to suit his whims and protect his own interests. See Mueller report, for just a peek at this.
Initially, I agreed with Nancy- impeachment won’t work due to Senate intransigence, and will only play into Republican hands. But the House must do it’s duty, even if, eventually, the Senate won’t do theirs. We are devolving into a country without rule of law. This WH thumbs its nose at lawful subpoenas from Congress, invents privileges that don’t exist to justify stonewalling, and announces its glad to take more political help from the Russians.
Meanwhile, environmental rapists, with unabashed glee, muzzle and force out scientists to better provide their earth -wrecking propaganda. Regulations meant to protect us are eviscerated. Political operatives are hired by Trump who marry Roger Stone ethics to 21st century online dirty tricks. On and on and on it goes.
Stop and look back at the road we have traveled since Trump was elected.
It’s been like a reverse toilet- that which should be flushed down is coming back out, right at us.
10
This deplorable situation is the final nail in the United States' moral authority.
At minimum, inspectors, doctors, politicians and the press needs to be able to get in and help and expose, without advance notice!!
12
After denying that there is a crisis on the border and much greater crisis in the homelands of the migrants, congresspersons like AOC are showing up to see if there is a crisis. AOC also needs to visit central America to determine whats causing such desperation in the motherlands of the migrants and what America can do about it without throwing money at corrupt leaders. I am sire cameras will gladly follow her to the root cause of the misery. The lady in white has switched to dressing red now? Does that mean she now is promoting communism or Republicanism?
11
‘It Feels Like a Jail’
I bet. For both male and female
Lawmakers Criticize
Can’t believe their eyes? No surprise
Migrant Holding Sites on Border
Is change possible?
Hmm
I grant it’s a bold thing
Maybe court order?
@Very Confused
I’m adding to my comment above
Second line should read:
I bet. For both male and female
ESPECIALLY if you’re female
All this is doing is bringing forward the idea that many Americans believe that letting illegal aliens ( the correct term) flood into the country is not a sound governmental policy. The cowardly governments of present and past have let this continue to happen year after year and all the beneficiaries(Agriculture and all the low end service jobs,etc) quietly lobby to keep it happening. These people are being exploited to the detriment of legal immigrants and all citizens of this country. Sad that is took a monster like Trump to bring it to the fore.
124
@Tom Philips The detainees in this story are not "illegal aliens." They applied for asylum as is their right under US law after turning themselves into border patrol agents. You are confusing them with true "illegal aliens" who enter or stay in the US and hope to escape being caught.
28
Also consider the decades-long impact on the dispersion of wealth. The less wealthy population in America has had to compete with an endless flood of cheap labor. That had depressed wages for them and increased income and wealth inequality.
11
@Matt Give me a break. I don't know one American who wants to go out into the hot sun every day and pick lettuce. They are not taking jobs, they are filling the ones Americans either don't want .
25
Crossing the border illegally is a criminal act so why is it surprising that these people are being treated like criminals? There is a legal way to enter our country, The rules were made by Congress.
133
@Hank
By definition, it's what advocates do.
1
Criminal nails are treated more humanely. Even after they've been convicted.
7
@Hank - applying for asylum is one legal way to enter the country. One can argue whether the migrants actually warrant asylum, and that argument is made in courts where their cases are heard. But these people, at least in declared intent and deed, are not breaking laws, and are not criminals. What would you do, faced with extortion/abuse/execution in your home state - take the risk of fleeing your home, or sit tight and risk death?
81
Customs and Border Protection investigating its officers at this point is the fox investigating the henhouse. This investigation should be done by an independent investigative body (Congress, is anyone home?) and people who took part in it should be out of a job.
6
I am shocked but at the same time I’m not. I know that state sanctioned security guards (police officers, TSA officers, CBP officers) have always thought themselves above the law. But did these clowns really think that their “secret” group would not be outed?
I mean this behaviour is just reprehensible. They do horrible and cruel things to people and pat themselves on the back when they see tears and human pain. There needs to be a complete overhaul of these security guards. I refuse to show them any respect and elevate their job to a respectable profession or career anymore.
This is too much. And we all need to post this on our Facebook, Twitter, blogs, newspapers, private journals, emails, and speak to each other about it. We need to help these people in need because the behaviour of these officers will have a ripple effect on other officers throughout the country and the world.
6
I’m sickened to read about the border patrol agents Facebook group and what they are saying and doing to the refugees
AOC is brave courageous person! Rooting for her strength
2
Missing from this piece, and from comments is: a lot of people ARE applying to legally immigrate into the US. This Administration has slowed that process to a crawl, where it now takes weeks and weeks just to get the first hearing on a person's application.
10
First they complain about the food, beds, sanitary conditions and medical assistance BUT have anyone visited their countries of origin. They are not much better. we have to stop our outcry over what the they are going thru in the camps. At least they are somewhat safe and are eating three squares a day, no matter how limited it is. I say send them back and let them enjoy what they think is better.
14
One has to wonder . . . if the conditions are so horrific, why do they keep coming?
20
Of course it feels like a jail. It's a jail.
13
The fact that this clear violation of human rights is not the sole focus of the American government speaks volumes about how badly this president - and his clearly exclusionary and racist policies - need to be ousted from power.
Some of the treatment these poor people are receiving is reminiscent of dark days of the past in the U.S. during segregation. As an outside observer in Europe, it saddens me - and it should anger everyone.
The problem is that these prisons - let's call them what they are - are so shielded from the public so that they are almost non-existent in the minds of right-thinking people. What AOC and the other lawmakers did was a brave and necessary act, and should prompt plenty of conversation over the next few months.
4
@David
So easy to say from the relative isolation of Ireland.
Please contact your MP and prime minister and demand Ireland immediately accept hundreds of thousands of ‘migrants’ from various Third World nations.
8
And if we don’t vote with resolve in 2020 it will continue. Biden, Warren, Harris... whoever. Get it done for their sake. No excuses. Get Trump out.
3
I have never been more ashamed or appalled at my country. This is not the illegal activity sanctioned by the government; this is a series of illegal actions carried out by a rogue contingent of taxpayer-funded employees of the government, cheered on by others who are motivated by fear, self-entitlement, and hate. Where is the oversight of the rule of law? Where is decency and compassion? What has happened to the universally agreed-upon right to seek asylum from torture and threat of death? When asylum becomes torture and threatens to kill those who seek it, the rule of law has lost all meaning.
274
@krw You May be confused 90% do not meet asylum criteria to be here. Meanwhile they are here by the thousands overwhelming small cities who can’t afford to care for them. Also they are cheating others that abide by the laws to come here and essentially cutting in line.The courts are about 850,000 case behind.
19
@Patt patty
Maybe McConnell should not have held up all those court appointments that President Obama put forward and we might have closer to the number of officials needed to process the asylum seekers.
7
@krw the rule of enforcing immigration laws has been lost and continuously broken. Its Not just Trump. People have been getting more and more frustrated and fed up for awhile. Trump is the Only person that hears it. Its Not about skin color for Everyone. My skin is brown and I'm fed up as well.
Those migrants aren't being "held", as in against their will, nor is the purpose of those centers to deprive them of their freedom. The very opposite is the case. Those people crossed a border for the express purpose of seeking out the border patrol and telling them they want to claim asylum and beg to be taken into their custody for their initial claim to be processed. If they were told they need to return to Mexico they would never have come.
And the reason that CPB is required to house them and feed them is because of a sacred pledge the US made that it will provide refuge for people being persecuted because of who they are or what they believe and their lives are in danger in their country of origin.
However the officers of the CPB, as well as the rest of America, are well aware that the migrants are in no way the subjects of that sacred duty to provide refuge to the persecuted in their greatest hour of need. And so those officers who are duty bound to provide food and shelter for the persecuted find themselves stretched beyond capacity caring for people who have no actual right to it and was not meant for them. So the officers see those migrants not merely as taking advantage of them, they see them as making a mockery of the officers themselves and the service they dedicated their lives is nothing but a joke to them.
So it is no wonder that those officers despise them.
90
@Michael Stavsen It's what they signed on to do. So, they should despise those that make them follow out the duties of their job? Got it, nice spin, didn't work.
46
@Michael Stavsen
"So it is no wonder that those officers despise them."
A clear result of the stress that is being put on the system by two incompatible forces: Enforcing border control and keeping the illegal border crossers out (enforced by the Executive) and the failure of the Legislature to address the problem and ensure rapid deportation.
CBP is caught in the middle, tensions increase and they are lashing out.
AOC is as guilty as Trump of this situation.
10
@Michael Stavsen we don’t have to detain people seeking asylum. We haven’t in the past when they were allowed to absorb into the general population. Guess what? Without being detained, they showed up to their asylum hearings!!!
39
I've represented individuals held in some of the most awful prisons and jails. Jails are run by local law enforcement or local government and designed to hold people awaiting trial, meaning many are innocent, yet they're much worse.
In many jails there's rampant brutality by guards and conditions are awful. The description of these as jails holding families and children seeking asylum is horrifying.
The first day I entered a jail to represent numerous clients as assigned counsel was shocking, men packed into large cells, treated like animals. The jails used a powerful antiseptic which only mixed with the smells in that closed space. I can still feel that awful smell. I left shaking, yet had to go back many more times that day, and in the following days. I had nightmares for weeks. It haunts me to this day.
Many of the people being held in those horrible facilities, like all of these migrants, were innocent of any crime. One innocent young man was brutalized by both the police and the guards. I secured his release within a few days yet he then had a full nervous breakdown. Hearing that separated families are being held in Texas border facilities which are like those awful jails is outrageous.
Finally, that border patrol agents still have their jobs, especially after their vicious Facebook group was revealed, proves these facilities are run by sadistic goons with badges who revel in cruelty and who see themselves as above the law, because thanks to Trump and GOP they are.
279
@Robert B
The difference is that these illegal immigrants ARE guilty of violating the law and illegally entering the United States.
Conflating anecdotal personal experiences with a completely unrelated set of circumstances is a non sequitur that is unhelpful to this debate, as are congresswomen that demagogue with unproven accusations of mistreatment. AOC lost all credibility in this debate from the time she staged her phony crying photos at the border.
16
@Rick -- The immigrants in question are NOT guilty of a crime. They came to the border and surrendered to the BP to request asylum. US law expressly permits this. And even if they had crossed the border illegally -- which is a misdemeanor -- they would be innocent till proven guilty in a court of law. That's how the rule of law is supposed to work in America. As for AOC and her companions, they are eye- and ear-witnesses to what is going on. It's fascinating, too, that from way up in New Hampshire you can detect "phony crying" way down on the border.
41
@Rick
You couldn't be more wrong. These people did not illegally enter the United States. These people did voluntarily surrendered at a border crossing and are seeking asylum. Therefore, what are their crimes?
Finally, it is understandable how many will say that anything which conflicts with their false narrative of how this outrage is somehow justified and fair "is unhelpful to this debate" because they wish to have a debate detached not just from fundamental decency, but from simple reality, and Truth for that matter.
23
These are not asylum seekers. They are economic migrants living in a tough part of the world. They do not have a right to illegally enter our country. These illegal economic migrants are being held in jail like conditions, just like our own citizens, when they break the law when they are arrested. The United States isn't the world's homeless shelter. There are legal ways to enter. They did not follow the rules. They are not legal asylum seekers. No other country would allow sucho lawlessness. That being said, I encourage the Dems and especially AOC, to keep up their radical position on economic migrants. Their hysterical attacks on ICE agents lawfully and appropriately doing their job, along with their loud push for open borders, will hopefully result in 4 more years of Trump.
100
@MJG
Not a single word in there about the fair treatment of human beings.
Appropriate.
43
@MJG The fact is that these are not all economic migrants, but then Trump supporters really don't care about the facts do they? If they did, they wouldn't support this type of inhumane treatment. There are solutions to the problem, but losing our sense of humanity isn't part of the solution.
50
@Keith Wagner
Thank you for this comment. I was hoping that someone would point out that there has been plenty of news coverage on the violence a lot of these people are fleeing - especially women - and that much of it stems from US policy. But, unfortunately, talk of foreign aid is as abhorrent to some as those crossing the border. Despite the fact that it would be cheaper and more practical than building a wall.
23
The problem here is who do you believe? The far left side who believe we should have open borders and free health care for illegal aliens, or short of that people found illegally entering the country should be put up at the Hilton? Or the other side that has zero compassion for anyone other than themselves and a history of lying and racism and have actually argued for the right to torture? Personally I have to side with the lefties, at least they seem to want to help and not harm. Not allowing members of Congress to film the conditions and them having to give several days advance notice of their arrival tells you pretty much everything you need to know I would think.
This is a low point for our country in my 56 years.
97
@bflobob--I find that I am actually moving toward favoring open borders as this crisis goes on. I used to go with "apply for entry and wait like everyone else" crowd, but because of the inhumane way these people are treated and the apparent fact that the U.S. simply can't or won't properly house them, I am starting to think that the only solution is to just let them into our country, while Congress works to improve conditions and revise our immigration laws, if that's what's needed. There are so many factors at work--providing more aid to the countries that the migrants are coming from, increasing the number of immigration judges, moving the immigrants through the process faster so that those who need to be deported can be rather than languish in these centers--and Trump's administration seems unable to address any of them. He just wants to keep the base fired up on this topic as long as he can as we move closer to the election. The longer it goes on, the more it seems that there is no answer and Trump seems more and more helpless and erratic, and I get more and more convinced that the only solution is to let them in. I'd rather my tax dollars go to helping some of these families than paying for Trump's golfing vacations ($100 million and counting so far!) and for his children to fly around the world pretending to be diplomats.
17
@bflobob - "The far left side who believe we should have open borders and free health care for illegal aliens, or short of that people found illegally entering the country should be put up at the Hilton?"
This is a straightforward LIE!
24
As someone else has mentioned above, nobody on the left wants open borders.
Access to decent health care is, and should be regarded as, a basic human right. Someone’s wealth or employment should not determine whether they receive essential healthcare, or what kind of care that is.
And nobody is suggesting putting people up at Hilton’s - that is false and hyperbolic. Demanding adequate, safe, and humane conditions for ANYONE is not asking for luxuries.
I’m glad you came to the conclusion that the left is to be “believed” in this case, but your misstatements and exaggerations of the left’s positions are dangerous and what give fodder to those that are trying to shield their eyes and continue allowing this to happen.
11
I go back and forth on this. But I keep coming back to the fact that migration was the natural state of affairs from the beginning of time until the last century.
Perhaps it’s time to let nature reassert herself.
Humanity survived countless millennia with open borders. It will continue to survive if we open them again.
Open the borders.
11
The strategy of open borders cannot work on a planet of 7 Billion people, and short of most of Europe, everybody else wants to come here. maybe we should move some of those factories and goods being manufactured in China to central America, so we eliminate the economic angle? pProblem is when you offer free everything here upon arrival, can't provide competing solution.
7
@Cromwell
Didn't another Cromwell gift Penn some woods for locating a slave trading port in the Indies for England? There went the neighborhood.
@Cromwell
Didn't another Cromwell gift Penn some woods for locating a slave trading port in the Indies for England? There went the neighborhood.
Are you aware of how little support anyone who comes here gets even after waiting three years? I watched a family that obviously just arrived in town because they found the lines at Walmart confusing to navigate. They were buying only one bag of beans. You up for that, Holmes? I wonder if you still got the grit that got you here.
Without proper healthcare for all, this world will not long outlast its potential to kill itself biologically, see? But we'll go one with our Big Red Party.
Thirty years or so from now, if there is a world, and that's not certain, there'll be investigations into these incarcerations, and the horror of them will be splashed across the pages, or our screens! How could these things happen, people will say in shock and surprise! No one knew! Yes, everyone knew. Everyone just let someone else do it, or waited for another election, in the vain hope that things would change. We get the government we deserve. Everyone one of us.
8
Once again independent contractors are making a huge profit at the cost of human lives and dignity. Can we be better than this? This is not a political issue any more it's a humanitarian crisis. Despite the Democrats showing up they are not offering a plan for even a temporary solution but at least now they are shedding some light. How are the millions being spent? What part of our trillion dollar defense budget can be allocated for this crisis? If we cannot sustain the waves of immigration, then we need to work with Central and South American countries to figure out a solution but clearly what exists now is an abomination and a blight on what's left of the soul of the nation.
9
Americans have got to be about the most hypocritcal people in the western hemisphere.
Some of us, whose ancestors, like mine did, rolled into Ohio, Pennsylvania back in the 1700s and started farming and settling land there. If the natives didn't like it, too bad, my ancestors fought them, and killed some of them. The attitude was we are better, we are civilized, and they aren't. God ordained it, the land is big enough and well we just like it here, so we're staying. As time went on, more and more of my ancestors friends, relatives and other "white people," kept coming.
Later generations within my family saw opportunties diminish. So what did they do. They just kept moving west to Montana eventually to California, taking land, taking minerals, and claiming territory.
4
No details on these medications withheld? How can we expect hundreds of doctors to suddenly be on staff at these remote areas to evaluate the medical needs of the 100,000 that come over every month. And for that matter do you really want so many doctors spending their time and our money on the border vs on the Native American reservations or any of the many other underserved areas with US citizens who are desperately in need of medical care?
22
If you can’t care for them, then don’t lock them up.
233
@June
Exactly! Let them go back to Mexico. It's a safe country.
20
@June
If you can't care for them, then don't allow them into your country.
9
While most of us are genuinely appalled that these holding centers have been filled beyond capacity, we need to also consider that there are more than 100,000 people crossing the southern border illegally each month.
That's more than three thousand people each day. Does any country that is the recipient of migrants have indoor facilities to accommodate such a large number of arrivals?
20
I am not for treating people inhumanly . The problem is the easier we make it to come to the US and stay here the more people come. There are likely 40 plus million people in Central America who would love to come here. This is the question. Do we open our arms to millions of people from Central America.
The only solution is to do something to fix conditions in those countries so people do not want to leave. Maybe that is where we should have regime change.
10
Yes. We open our arms and welcome them. The national standard of living may drop but our conscience will be clear.
After all, which is more important?
1
Under no circumstances, should our lawmakers NOT be allowed to take photos.
12
I recall a vociferously progressive politician who won his congressional seat by upsetting a corrupt political machine many years ago. He would often visit the city's detention facility in lower Manhattan, using a bullhorn to protest conditions there and sometimes going as far as bringing blankets for the inmates. When he became the city's mayor and was concerned about the public's safety, he presided over the largest expansion of the city's jails that ever took place. His name was Ed Koch.
The political grandstanding by Ms, Ocasio-Cortez only serves to polarize the American public whose main concern has been and always will be public safety, not the plight of those who are flooding our border.
9
I’m ashamed to call myself an American. What right does it give us to mistreat other human beings. I was raised in a military family & when living overseas especially, was taught that I was representing my country, by being my best American self: kind, helpful, generous & most importantly respectful of other cultures & people.
5
The cruelty is the point.
U.S. Border Patrol has a long-standing culture of abuse, neglect, and dehumanization, long before Trump ran for office. With the exception of Trump's family separation policy, everything in this article has been an issue for many years.
Congress should do four things:
1. Create an independent oversight body for Border Patrol, which has the ability to investigate agents and recommend their dismissal to CBP's Commissioner, with a report sent to Congress.
2. Dissolve ICE. Border Patrol's sister agency didn't exist until 2003. It's unnecessary, and the enforcement and removal arm has the same culture of cruelty. Fold the investigation arm under the FBI. Work in tandem with local municipalities to remove criminals.
3. Increase funding for immigration courts and enforce rules around representation before judges. Immigration courts are critically understaffed, which is the root cause of why migrants are held for so long. They deserve a fair and prompt hearing.
4. Create an actual path to citizenship. Give migrants a way to become citizens while being fair to those who enter the citizenship process through other avenues.
I believe doing any one of these things would dramatically change the conversation.
9
Wait til Trump tries to squeeze two extra years to pay him back for the Mueller investigation.
He wasn't joking; he'll take whatever he can get away with.
4
AOC and her Democrat henchmen could end this tomorrow if they were willing to negotiate a deal. The ones that made it across the Rio Grande are the lucky ones, as sad a situation as it is, bodies have been floating in the river long before President Trump was elected.
9
How about this. Let able body migrants build the additional structures. While they wait for a yes/no on admittance. Might as well be a part of the solution, rather than the problem.
10
Stop the economic incentive and the problem goes away. Take a page from the "sustainability" playbook, where now 86% of the S&P 500 companies have transparency and goals. Companies should be certified "100% US labor force" compliant. I'd pay $.20/lb more at the meat counter for that sticker. Or $5 more for a hotel room, or $10K more for a new home. Business owners who employ illegals should be treated like drug dealers. Blood from river drownings are on their hands. Pay more for compliance, or everyone quit complaining...the problem is never going away.
13
Congressional fact-finding stunts like this always merely reinforce everyone's proor views on the issue. We need to get out of the migrant housing business altogether. Hands off is right. It would be better and more efficient, not to say humane, to simply turn them all away.
6
@Frunobulax
Like we did to Jewish refugees and Japanese citizens in WWII or Native Americans since we arrived? I demand my government be better than that.
1
Trump, Stephen Miller, and others responsible for this should be prosecuted and in jail, as should individual CBP agents.
I was a supporter of Pelosi’s cautious approach. No more. Democrats need to fight this and they need to begin impeachment proceedings. I want lawmakers with morals and a spine. Only one or the other will not suffice. I will vote for whatever candidate is willing to go after members of this administration and seek justice and retribution.
2
No one with any human sympathy can fail to be saddened by the plight of the migrants in holding sites. The issue starkly raised is whether this country has the resources to provide resources to adequately care for huge numbers of impoverished non-citizens at the expense of our own citizens. Progressives have an ambitious agenda for America - free college and Medicare for all, a trillion dollar green new deal, reparations... At the same time, we have hundreds of thousands of homeless roaming our streets in the same miserable condition as the migrants just described. As citizens, we must look to our hearts in viewing the plight of poor people everywhere. We also must look to our heads in deciding what we can do for the rest of the world when we have so much to do for our own citizens at home.
7
@Alex Here’s a place to start: tax the mega wealthy and tax inheritance. What we’re seeing are the effects of International and national inequality. And they are here to roost. The wealthy should pay for the benefits they reap off the backs of the rest of us. Progressive ideas about education and health care can help bolster the middle class so more don’t slip.
1
Nobody complained on probably very similar condition when Obama was the president. I see it as politics as usual. It's a detention center, not welcome house. It's still much better and safer than the dangerous river and hot desert.
12
@Asian man we haven’t detained asylum seekers in the past. That sounds why people didn’t complain about it.
1
I want to emigrate from NJ to retire, to get free health care as I age and to get away from the US environment. But countries don't want me because I haven't paid into their health system, and at 64 I would bring little needed value to their country. Countries limit who can come for a variety of logical reasons. It's a crime to overstay a visa or come in illegally. Children need not be separated from parents at our border but jumping a border is a crime in most countries. I want immigrants from all walks of life to come to the US, legally.
10
This sounds like something the anti-Trumpers want to be true. Be careful taking it at face value.
9
I think the Trump banners should be draped all over this facility, marking it for the world to see that the deprivation, hate, and law-breaking going on here, is owned and created by him and his fellow haters; it should carry the Trump brand, just like his other monuments to himself.
3
I’m glad AOC that speaks Spanish went there and was able to have a conversation with the women and learn what the true conditions were.
I don’t know what these immigrants were thinking was going to happen to them when they arrived to the US Border. They must have been promised gold by their handlers otherwise no one would put themselves in a situation like this - no matter how bad their situation in their own country is. At least there they are citizens of their OWN country and have rights ! I know this is not the point of the article.
Just saying....
I’m always on the fence about AOC -not sure why. I need to see her pass a legislation or do something substantial rather than a twitter posting. I look forward to seeing her do this. That is when she will have delivered on HER promises.
20
They came seeking asylum, which is not illegal. They have human rights.
4
I deeply respect the veracity and forthrightfulness of people who embellish their words with the expression: 'Just saying'. It indicates the full quality of a person's thinking ...
1
@Stephanie They are here because in their own countries they are mistreated as well and in fact have no rights.
The holding facilities, the Facebook group, the abusive demonstrators, the hostility against our lawmakers, the callous posts on this forum: this is all so appalling, and why Julian Castro is right in calling for the repeal of Section 1325. Also, why criminal reform is needed: the US prison system has made cruelty and inhumane treatment the norm. All of which makes for an unstable civil society and sets the stage for greater horrors.
68
@HK Criminals absolutely need better treatment across the board. Let's not just decriminalize illegal immigration, let's decriminalize all non-violent crime. And let's make reparations for all the years of unjust criminal punishment. (sarcasm)
3
It’s supposed to feel like jail. The more unpleasant we make it the better - any and all deterrence should be used.
40
@Jay Lincoln These conditions aren’t acceptable.for anyone in U.S. custody and border agents who hold these views may be prone to abusing detainees. I don’t think this means most of these people should be released into the U.S. and allowed to stay, but the country certainly has an obligation to provide clean, safe, appropriate detention centers with adequate beds, sanitary products and diet. Congress must provide funding and there should be better oversight.
4
@Jay Lincoln
And what about for babies and children? Oh right- I guess public policy is a little more complicated than tweeting rhetoric and toxic one liners.
3
@Jay Lincoln I see. So why aren't undocumented (aka illegal) Irish immigrants and other undocumented immigrants from Europe held to the same treatment?
If illegal is illegal that is what should have happened to White illegal immigrants, but it hasn't.
THEY get "secret deals" to allow them to stay in the U.S.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/us/trump-accidentally-flaunts-secret-migration-deal-with-mexico-1.3923013
This is a racist policy and an ethnic cleansing campaign that is setting the stage for more of the same; even against
natural-born "unwanted" American citizens.
3
Sounds like the Border Patrol has a real corporate culture problem. This used to be unacceptable. When I worked for an agency in the Federal government this conduct would get you fired. Not only that, the supervisor would lose his job if he was aware of the conduct and took no action. I’ve seen it happen. I guess the adage that a fish rots from the head down applies here. Management’s response will say everything.
80
People entering this country seeking asylum are entering legally. They are allowed to petition the government and remain in the country while they do so. Why don’t Trump supporters attempt to change the law? Well, the change would never get past the House of Representatives, the one body that truly represents the majority of Americans right now.
But, could it be they just like the cruelty of it all?
35
@M "...the one body that truly represents the majority of Americans right now." Because they agree with you right? So as long as they agree with you, they agree with the majority of Americans. Got it.
4
@M The "House" represents left wing, socialism, open borders and a limitless free ride for anyone voting democratic. They DO NOT represent the majority.
5
@M You are correct that people may enter the country legally to claim asylum, but ONLY if that claim for asylum is legitimate. These migrants have are not being persecuted in their home countries because of their POLITICAL OPINION, MEMBERSHIP IN A SOCIAL GROUP, RACE, RELIGION, or NATIONALITY. Those are the grounds clearly stated in the International Treaty on Asylum for an asylum claim. Sadly fleeing poverty does not meet the standard.
4
All this, yet Trump and the RNC just set a massive record for fundraising in the second quarter, according to the NYTimes.
Trumpism is bigger than Trump.
Anti-immigrant attitudes pre-dated his rise to power, and indeed fueled it, though not by much; there was not a great deal of such sentiment until the early 2000s. But on it came, on he came, and here we are.
It has nothing to do with the data of immigration, which waxes and wanes, ebbs and flows, in rather normal cycles.
It has to do with widespread American ATTITUDES to immigration, and immigrants more particularly. They hardened, grew harsher, grew malicious.
Trump deserves every bit of the criticism being directed at him for his heinous corruption of institutions like the Border Guard.
But we need something deeper than Trump criticism. We need national self-examination. Who are we really, and who are we going to be?
That is what is at stake, long before Trump ever came along, and most likely after he has left office.
44
@Paul McGlasson
First, if true, nothing can excuse unsanitary and unhealthy conditions at the centers. Except perhaps a lack of funding which the democrats voted against. Likewise, the perpetrators of the Facebook page should be fired.
You make the same error the NYT commonly does. Conflating legal and illegal immigration.
I voted for Clinton in ‘16 and support the Dems in 2020. I will never vote for Trump. I also have relatives who voted for Trump, who’s own parents were immigrants. They are very pro-immigrant. They are not pro-illegal immigration.
Cruelty has no nuance. But much of the immigration debate has plenty of nuance.
1
The Democratic lawmakers who toured these facilities, and their colleagues in the House of Rrepresentatives, could solve this problem today.
All they have to do is vote for emergency funding for additional facility rental, catering, transport, medical care, and security.
But they aren't going to do that.
Film clips of suffering are too valuable as a political tool.
28
@Objectivist
YOUR president wouldn't sign it, and you know it. He demands his pound of flesh, and unless he can crow about his "win" it will not happen.
2
@Objectivist
A. The border bill passed
B. I love when people living the good life of great governance hate on the people providing it to them. Massachusetts has the best of everything. Do you really want to be Alabama?
1
@Objectivist
Ummm-the Democrats did approve the recent funding bill--those who objected were not against funding but wanted to put controls on what the monies could be spent on.
3
The people being held in these facilities are overwhelmingly economic migrants; they are trying to enter the country to work. Anyone who has ever lived (as I have) in the Bay Area, or Boston, or Seattle, knows that virtually all unskilled or semi-skilled work performed in those places: hotel room cleaning, gardening, hospital orderly, landscaping, restaurant back of house, child care, etc., is done by people not born in this country. They serve the predominantly white, professionals who can afford to live in these cities, people who make top 10% salaries and who will never have to compete for a position with a 23 year old Salvadoreña living five to a room in an outer ring suburb, a two hour commute from the workplace. The presence of large numbers of desperate, unskilled immigrants in the job market creates enormous downward pressure on wages for semi-skilled and unskilled people born in this country, many of them people of color. We are ten years into an economic recovery and approaching full employment. Wages for the lower 90% should be rising at a steady clip, instead they are only inching upward. If people posting here from Portland, or NYC or D.C want to advocate for people forcing the Southern border they are obviously entitled to do so, but they need to own their privilege and the Social Darwinist situation they are engendering.
65
@Glenn Baldwin Who do you think picks the strawberries and does jobs NO ONE wants to do? These people are not taking skilled positions...minimum wage at best. And, yes I worked in a hotel on the border and know full well who cleans the toilets.. It is not established Americans. You should be happy they are coming.
2
@Glenn Baldwin
So you are all in on raising the minimum wage nationally then ... yes?
Or are you just using this faux issue of "downward pressure on wages" as a smoke screen for other, darker, motivations?
And social darwinism? How is supporting the legal right to apply for asylum, social darwinism? How is a clear eyed understanding that to reduce refugee immigration you need to address the problems at the source through effective economic aid and not by cutting aid, social darwinism? How is rejecting a completely fake narrative about immigrant crime and drug trafficking, social darwinism?
Your fig leaf is wearing thin.
Perhaps you are the one who should reflect upon, and own, the situation you are engendering.
2
Thank you. Spot on.
3
I can't imagine what other countries are thinking about the United States.
What has happened to our country?
This information needs to be brought to the United Nations and UNICEF.
22
Imagine a family with hardworking, generous, kind, and welcoming parents, siblings, and cousins. But it also has a number of angry children and boorish, selfish, bigoted uncles and aunts. That’s how I see the US at present — a decent family on the brink of dysfunction and collapse due to the moral failings of a few of its members.
@bdk6973
No one cares or will say anything because of Trump the dictator and his tweet army.
1
Imagine this: A small-town police station occasionally receives minors who are lost, whose parents have been arrested for brawling, who have been found in bad situations as crime victims and whose families need to be located, etc. They usually sit them down on a bench and call child welfare services, who pick them up and take care of them until the situation is resolved. One day, instead of the occasional child or two, they start getting 30 kids a day. And teen gang bangers and drug mules are mixed in with the innocent little kids. Child welfare is overwhelmed, and fails to keep up--they just don't pick these kids up within a reasonable period of time, and now you've got large numbers of kids piling up in the police station, which is not equipped with dormitories or other residential facilities. What should the police, who are now outnumbered by the kids, do?
This is actually what is happening at border patrol posts in the southwest. HHS can't handle the spike in arrivals. ICE isn't supposed to house minors, but they can't put unaccompanied kids on the street, leave them with human traffickers, give them to adults who have not been vetted/relationship confirmed, or house them in prisons with adults who are remanded for criminal prosecution. Of course non-residential facilities are inadequate. Let's have constructive suggestions about how to better process the influx, instead of just screaming hyperbole.
57
@Working Mama
That comment is pure sophistry using the old meme of "the left is hysterical". Your hypothetical conjuring of fake parallels is a pretty good attempt at sounding reasonable. Nobody is screaming. Any drug mules would not be mixed in with kids- they could be put straight into jail. Your comment is in itself duplicitous hyperbole pretending to be restrained and reasonable. You say hypothetically "What should the police, who are now outnumbered by the kids, do? " Well it isn't the police. In this case it has been border patrol. Although you try to make excuses there is no excuse for treating innocent kids this way. The kid who was interviewed in Spanish and said "fue feo alli" (It was ugly there) said the supervisors were mean and treated the kids badly. This does not comport with the comfortably expedient scenario you invented. Under Trump the arrivals have increased dramatically due to his policies and withdrawal of aid from northern triangle countries. There is no excuse for separating kids from families without gathering details to reunite them. There is no excuse for not feeding virtual prisoners especially children. No excuse for telling people to drink water from the toilet or calling women the slang word for something too ugly to repeat. Your comment is sophistry tangled up with vacuous excuse making for Trump who has been intent on dehumanising Latinos since he came down the escalator that day to start this calamity.
6
@Working Mama
How about re-write the immigration laws and then strictly enforce them-- (1) quick path to full citizenship for the Dreamers (2) no more walking across the border and requesting asylum. They apply for asylum in their own countries at the U.S. Embassies. (3) immediate deportation of anyone crossing the border illegally (3) a "high wall" with a big gate
2
@Working Mama Poor ICE! They do seem to care so much about women and children. They do seem *so kind.* They’re just dealing with a lot!
I was not initially a fan of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez when she came onto the scene, but I have been won over. She has shown moral courage, passion and determination to fight for the causes she believes in. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for Nancy Pelosi, whom I formerly supported. Cortez represents the type of bold leadership that should be the future of the party.
44
Why was Rep. Kennedy surprised to discover that the detention facilities are "like a jail"? Does he not realize, or does he not care, that those being detained are in custody precisely because they are accused of violating federal immigration laws by entering the United States illegally?
If Mr. Kennedy and his colleagues don't like the immigration laws on the books, they should change them - something President Trump has been urging Congress to do for several years.
Perhaps lawmakers find outrage and media sound bites an easier path than working across party lines for meaningful. and overdue, immigration reform.
68
@Pete Harrigan
Please go back and review the 2013 immigration reform bill that passed with a large majority bipartisan vote in the Senate, only to be denied a vote in the House by then Speaker John Boehner on the basis of the so-called Hastert Rule. This was compromise legislation at its best, addressing both the status of undocumented residents and border security. Let’s urge the President and Congress to revisit and build on that near-success.
28
@Mitch Miller Precisely. I was just reviewing the terms of the "gang of eight". I know it was not perfect, but it was a workable compromise. Bush lost whatever support he had once he proposed immigration reform.
5
The immigrants have done nothing illegal if they have tried to ask for asylum. Asking for asylum is legal under US law. Trump is the one who is acting like a criminal by closing down the ports of entry so that people are unable to ask for asylum at them.
155
People don't pay to get into jail. Remaining in these facilities is a choice.
Immigrants and asylum seeking can apply and go back and wait. If they could pay traffickers thousands to get them here, they can go through the legal system.
Every one has made a conscious choice to be here seeking economic opportunity and to gain social services.
Why should the American workers and taxpayers keep paying and sacrificing for the informed choices of illegal migrants?
67
It’s never a choice to be an asylum seeker or a refugee, whether for political or economic or religious or other reasons.
21
@CNNNNC
Hypothetical to think about and I'll speak for myself.
If here in the U.S. the unemployment rate went to 50%.
If there were no job prospects. If my neighborhood and state were overrun by gang members threatening my sons to join them and work for the gang, if the police and government were completely ineffective, if there was no unemployment insurance, if the crops failed year after year, you can bet I would get myself and my loved ones across the border to Canada in hopes of getting work and providing for my family.
I wouldn't sit around like I guess you would, saying oh well its illegal to enter their country, it wouldn't be right, we should just apply for assylum, to just get turned down,
we would be well on our way.
24
@CNNNNC
Asylum is a human right and exists in every country -- why do you and the GOP keep trying to denigrate it? It is not about economic opportunity and social services. It is about fleeing horrific conditions -- daily threats by drug lords or by corrupt government officials. Yes, those threats hamper one's economic activity, but it is not the motivating factor. These people can't stay and wait.
7
The people being caged and herded in these places are citizens. Please, commentors, stop claiming they are not. They may not be U.S. citizens, but they are citizens of our allies, our neighbors, our trade partners, North Americans. Do we treat citizens of NATO countries this way?
I have known people from Canada, England, Sweden, and France who were here improperly, having overstaid a visa or some such. They go down to an INS office and straighten things out. Their punishment is paperwork and a stern lecture, not brutal incarceration. How, given that, can anyone pretend this situation on the Southern border is not racism at work?
134
If we allowed illegals from Canada and Sweden to come in at the over 100K per month based on whats happening now from central America, those countries would be empty already ! This problem is easily resolved, stop promising the world easy access to the USA, and free stuff when you arrive. The whole planet wants to come here short of a few European countries, its absurd to believe in anything other then a control migration system.
41
@Speakin4Myself
Your comparison to Europeans overstaying their visas doesn't work. One group entered legally and the other didn't. There is also the matter of magnitude. The numbers seeking to cross our southern border illegally are vast and unlikely to abate.
28
@Speakin4Myself They are NOT citizens of the U.S. That actually matters as they they DO NOT have a RIGHT to be here until they go through the legal process. The border is overwhelmed. Is your idea is just open the borders and let EVERYONE in with no consequences? There must be some order. You cannot just let them come and believe they will come back later to check in. We cannot just sign them up for welfare benefits and social security and go and enjoy life.
14
This is the result of Trump's attempt--apparently successful--to politicize such institutions as the Border Patrol and the Military. The coming 4th July parade is no accident.
They, in normal times, have duties mandated by legislated authority, written rules of conduct, and so forth.
Under Trumpism, they become PERSONALLY obligated to Trump, taking on his values, agenda, approach, and so forth.
And that means spite, cruelty, lies, misogyny, bigotry, all the traits we have come to know so well.
It will take hard work disengaging such institutions from Trumpism and returning them to the normal professionalism of ordinary times.
Call it de-Trumpification.
29
Ocasio Cortez is right in her protest against this horrible treatment and the behavior of border agents. Such treatment is against the US law. Hope she and other like minded Democrats would also show the same concern towards protecting the Law when it comes to people illegally crossing. On that front she is all for people breaking it. She even wants to dismantle agencies which try to arrest illegal immigrants. Trump administration is guilty for the plight of families held in detention and people like Cortez share some responsibility for their plight as she encourages people to violate US laws and put their lives at risk to cross illegally. But like other dishonest politicians her outrage is selective to suit her agenda.
10
@Resident. It is not illegal to seek asylum. It is not illegal to present oneself within the borders and request asylum. It is illegal to hold people in inhumane conditions. This is both US and international law. Is that simple enough for you? European countries have been dealing with overwhelming influxes of refugees and asylum seekers for decades now, most without resorting to the sort of abominable behaviors and policies that this administration appears to favor; if it is acceptable to divert funds from other assigned purposes to build a wall, why not divert funds to manage the influx if people that are known to be coming welk in advance. The incompetence and corruption of this president and his so-called administration is horrendous.
1
Read the Pro Publica article and then consider it the next time you go thru airport security. Who will they be allowed to go after next?
These facilities should be subjected to daily walk thrus with cameras, journalists and healthcare workers. And the books of the outfit awarded the government contract whould have to submit monthly verified expenditures reports.
34
@poslug Why don't you go volunteer to help down there? Or is it easier to sit there and make your foolish rules? "These facilities should be subjected to daily walk thrus with cameras, journalists..."
There aren't enough people to manage the crowds, but you want cameramen and journalists....
3
Speaker Pelosi, is this impeachment worthy yet? Asking for a few hundred people drinking out of a toilet.
28
@Dominic She's rich and got rich while in power. She worked with W Bush, and thwarted all attempts to impeach him. As long as the president is pro-Wall Street like she is, he has nothing to worry about from her.
4
Dominic, is allowing people to break the law an impeachable offense? Turn about is fair play; it can work both ways. Nobody is lily white and unfortunately because of congressional and past presidential inaction, we are faced with one gigantic mess. Let’s stop hurling stones and try to solve the problem.
2
@Dominic: No one is drinking out of a toilet. That's a myth started by illegal migrants and echoed by dihonest lawmakers. But I do know someone who has drunk the koolaid about how innocent these migrant 'asylum seekers' are.
4
Americans need to wise up! Our government may be much farther out of control than we ever dared imagine.
No wonder we're not seeing reports from detention employees about inhumane conditions perpetrated there. Newly revealed posts from within the secret Facebook group "I'm 10-15" suggest that many detention employees actually enjoy mistreating and degrading the men, women and children they are paid to protect.
28
Did anyone else feel a little queasy at the idea of lawmakers being told by law enforcers what they could and could not do during their information-seeking tour? It felt like I was reading about a UN investigation of a detention facility set up by a dictatorial government in a developing country.
It is so much easier for me to see unhealthy behaviors in others than it is for me to see it in myself, and I fear we as a country are falling into the same pattern: it’s far easier for us to point out human rights violations in other nations, but we can’t seem to acknowledge it when it’s happening right under our noses.
200
@Joby
"Did anyone else feel a little queasy at the idea of lawmakers being told by law enforcers what they could and could not do during their information-seeking tour?"
If the lawmakers meekly went along with it, then much of the fault lies with them.
4
@Joby
Agreed. And they shouldn’t of handed over their phones.
2
I wish the article actually gave information about the conditions. It doesn’t say much other than that they are sharing cells and have their sleeping bags on concrete.
Also, what are the details on the medications being withheld? How does the Border Patrol usually go about getting medications for people (verifying their diagnosis, dose, etc.)? Is this process not being followed? Etc. This is something that merits investigating.
This article is a lot of dramatics words without depth/facts.
30
I had an image of a medieval torture chamber until I saw that video with bright blue sleeping bags and Poland springs water bottles. Not sure I believe one isolated claim about the toilet water.
And what exactly medications are being withheld? Are they medications for chronic diseases the migrants packed in prescription bottles? I am sure they are not just leaving people all together with random bags of pills. How are they supposed to get a doctor to the huge surge of people to evaluate each persons medical needs?
13
@SLK
Next, AOC should visit a prison. Perhaps she would have more sympathy if she were educated about the conditions in which Americans are being detained and spoke from a position of knowledge versus emotion, which in her case tends to run shallow.
Keep in mind there's no such thing as a sanctuary city for Americans. When they get stopped, they go to prison even if they haven't committed a serious crime.
5
This may be the most frightening development yet in the Republican-les downward spiral of our country. This story shows a level of dehumanization of migrants and political opponents that historians have warned us is the prelude to mass atrocities.
Be appalled. Be angry. Say something. Do something. This is not normal.
845
@Edmund
Only the most frightening for today.
Believe me., it will be more frightening in the months to come.
Ask yourself -- what could be worse than this?
How many times does that have to be asked and answered with something far worse within weeks?
It will get worse.
We have our voices.
Never Sit Down
Never Shut Up
IMPEACH.
Call your rep and senators and demand it.
80
@Edmund
What do you think happens when all the US presidential candidates raise say they will provide free health care? I can assure you it's not the GOP that will be held responsible for this.
28
Ask the Democrats what legislation they have proposed that will fix immigration. This is another example of loud partisans self-promoting with absolutely no interest in fixing anything.
18
It's always a bad sign when you hear quotes like “I know that the Border Patrol is not happy with the Democrats in Congress.” It's not Congress's job to do the will of the Border Patrol. It's the Border Patrol's (sworn) job to enforce laws passed by Congress. They have no business taking a stand on what those laws should be or who should be making them. That's voters' job.
946
@Em Federal judges prevent the enforcement of laws duly passed by Congress particularly when it comes to enforcing immigration law. Where is democracy and the rights of voters then?
24
@Em
Perhaps the Border Patrol agents know more about the immigration and asylum challenges confronting the nation than citizens sitting in their living room two thousand miles away. I am willing to listen. Are you? The media does not have the exclusive right to convey a version of truth, particularly in light of its blinkered past when social justice is on offer.
This is what I know. The human suffering to our south is tragic, and we must make every effort to work toward solutions at its roots and through our immigration policy (in that order). America has a heritage of embracing immigrants, and there is an equally legitimate basis to undergird the needs of current citizens as we consider the numbers of immigrants we can resettle. Additionally, America has coherence as a melting pot. That means that immigrants assimilate, placing their allegiance to America above their ethnic or racial identity. Otherwise, we are an incoherent collection of tribes, living in ghettoes of other new arrivals, disinclined to speak a common language or adopt common values. It is not the speed of assimilation that concerns me but whether we believe, as a nation, that assimilation retains any value to us. This is bigger than bringing new cuisines to our towns, and people need to stop trivializing the dialogue as purely “racist”.
A family enduring “squalor” at our border chose to force asylum, owning some of the unfortunate outcome. We are playing catch-up. Asylum seekers must own their part.
25
@Em The border patrol is HORRIBLY understaffed and underfunded to deal with 150,000 ILLEGAL immigrants EVERY MONTH.
THAT IS THE ISSUE. HELLO? It has been the issue for a couple years, now.
22
We are now receiving an education from the, supposedly, least obvious nation in the world, in the development of attitudes among "civil" or clearly, uncivil servants that leads to the dehumanizing of "other" people, through the creation of concentration camps and if history is anything to go by, on the road to a potential for genocide. The process is being documented, in real time, in sound and pictures, of the turning of ordinary citizens into government apparatchiks who's behavior reflects the attitudes at the top. Both, it seems, with impunity. And although, as yet, one may say, the "few" deaths are explainable consequences of large numbers of people in detention, in fact, there are policies, workable ones in place to avoid this utterly. So now we deduce, that "torture" of detainees is the objective and furthermore, policy. As the numbers dying in American Concentration Camps accumulate, what would be a "good" number that would be defined as "genocide"? On American soil? By an American Government? Today we also read that nearly 150 historians who specialize in genocide, throughout history and world wide, have written an open letter to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, which is to be found at nybooks.com/daily/2019/07/01/. Accountability! Now, for these uncivil servants before deaths in custody of asylum seekers turns into the legal definition of genocide: www.un.org/ar/preventgenocide/adviser/pdf/osapg_analysis_framework.pdf
You at the top, busy forgetting, we won't!
13
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
People, have you no shame?
20
You didn’t know? that poem and sentiment only applies to Western European judeochristian emigrants. (Sarcasm emoticon)
2
@me - PS The poem was written in 1883 and inscribed on the Statue of Liberty in 1903. But then nobody expects conservative to get any facts correct.
@Len Charlap Why are you not answering their question? But then again the far-left open border supporters are so intellectually dishonest they can't even address the consequences of their own ideas. Stop gaslighting.
1
Democrats need to get their heads on straight about immigration. They are encouraging this behavior, which puts people at tremendous risk. We cannot handle the masses crossing our border. We simply cannot. They need to stop "inviting" them.
61
@AACNY no one is "inviting" them, unless you are talking about GOP and Trump administration efforts to cut to programs in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras aimed at breaking the power grip of gangs, making it a worse situation for the people, thus forcing them to flee. ICE's own data showed that ankle monitoring after asylum processing is highly affective, cheaper, and humane. This is all so Trump can pound his chest in front of his base and bleat about how "tough" he is against traumatized women and children.
109
@AACNY
No one is inviting them. They come because there is no other option, because people have migrated since the beginning of time. The pathways are there. We can work to change the conditions in Central America -- but the US has a lousy record on its support for leaders in that part of the world. It has embraced and supported right-wing dictators in a misguided attempt to stop "communism" and now its credibility is shot.
85
@kate--At the height of the Central American civil wars, most migrants attempting to run the border were single young men. If they made it through and got a toehold, then they arranged safer traver for spouses or children. The wave of children at the border is triggered not by any worsening of conditions (these places have been poor and politically dysfunctional for decades), but by the institution of DACA and changes in the law that make it easier to get released into the U.S. pending a far-off hearing if you are a minor or have a child with you.
22
The man holding the sign that says that "Humanitarian aid is never a crime" has it right. We need to be human; we need to be humane.
We can deny entry and deport people. We can enforce our border. We can defend the position that the country is allowed to determine who emigrates here. All of these ideas are not outrageous.
But as with most other things, Americans need to demonize those they don't want to pay for. School taxes too high? Teachers must be terrible. Social cost of medicine too high? It's those lazy people on Medicaid. Don't want to have to compete with illegal immigrants for your job? Then they must be demons, terrible people who deserve our border facilities.
Many of our citizens brag that we are a Christian nation. We need to regain our sense of Christian charity. We are the people who passed the dying man on the road, and not the Samaritan who helped.
Somehow, we need to assure that we maintain our humanity. Improve the facilities at the border, or eliminate them.
50
@Cathy I believe the humane thing to do is to let all these immigrants into the country, at least those seeking asylum. Provide them with jobs that are typically done by migrant workers (jobs Americans refuse)- working on farms, washing cars, cleaning houses, cutting grass, collecting garbage, etc. And provide housing and schooling until they can take care of themselves. Meanwhile they will be subject to our laws and will be required to pay taxes, which would pay back the capital investment.
If a plan like this is implemented at the same time we are investing in Central America to improve conditions there, the burden of future immigration will be greatly reduced. I know this plan over simplifies a complex situation, but it should be the basis for eventually ameliorating the current situation.
6
Trump and his supporters are truly putting the nail in the coffin of what once was a great experiment. We are seeing what happens when we allow the worst of the worst into positions of power. I don't see how we close this particular Pandora's Box ever again. We've seen what the extreme right is like. How do we ever pretend we're a united country again?
25
@ollie
Honestly, I don't know. I fear for the future of this country that is now in tatters.
2
@ollie, border patrol agents aren’t going to just suddenly obey the law and treat migrants as humans when democrats regain power. The challenge will be how do you stop them and their rotten cheerleaders? Those cheerleaders don’t see the migrants as humans or as entitled to humanitarian treatment.
We’ll need the same brazen and lawbreaking approach to stop them. Then what?
3
What are you talking about? Not more then a couple years ago, every prominent Democrat(including the beloved Clintons) were stating the need for border protection, walls, stemming the flow of illegals....etc. This is just one of the symptoms of Trump derangement syndrome, where everyone reinvents the past in a desperate attempt to take a shot at Trump. There are many shots to be taken at Trump for sure, but this one he has right.
3
Vote against giving humanitarian aid, then complain about conditions...that's called grandstanding.
31
@Hank no that's called
oversight. You know, that thing Congress is supposed to be doing?
9
The women lawmakers who visited are extraordinarily brave. That shouldn’t be lost.
44
@Kathy Bee
What was brave about it? Was there danger?
39
@Daphne
From right wing extremists killing people and targeting her, yes.
Today's short survey...
A) The Mextapo is doing a great job
B) Modern U.S. concentration camps can't be that bad
C) American values are the best
D) Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib are far better places
North of the border we are observing this with great concern and disdain.
11
Reality Check thanks to NAFTA exploited people in mexico an central america so they left paradise to for jobs pay living wage here in usa.
1
" It feels like a cell ".
It is a holding area, and similar to a jail it keeps people who shouldn't be somewhere from being there.
However, had they stayed in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua they would not have found themselves in a cell like structure. Turn around and return to your homeland, apply for admission and walk through the front door.
49
The vast majority of them *did* go about this in the only legal way they had —presenting themselves for inspection and admission to the border patrol and saying that they wanted to apply for some kind of legal status in the US— and were then locked up anyway.
This is the equivalent of getting put in jail without possibility of bail while waiting god only knows how long to go to court on a couple of traffic tickets. Crossing the border without inspection is a *misdemeanor* offense according to the United States Code, but even people who did try to do it the right way are being unjustifiably cruelly.
24
@Liz Joyce
You didn't address the fact that they are free to remain in another country until their asylum approval is received.
23
@Liz Joyce
When we make a choice we sometimes have to live with bad results.
11
What is wrong with America?
You are supposed to be the beacon of freedom, human rights and justice,
26
@Full Name (required)
America is so "wrong" that no one wants to come here. Got it.
25
@Hank
Devious, simplistic retort. The vast majority of these people have no choice: they flee great poverty, misery, danger. People like you and I, living in immensely greater wealth, comfort, and safety, have a fortiori a crucial duty of respecting human rights and justice, which by the way the USA has not done with South America in at least 60 years.
1
@Full Name (required): The US has taken in more immigrants than any other country. You seem to have willfully forgotten that.
5
This is one more reason that the general public has to put the Trump supporters in their place.
18
Hmmm. One might almost think they shouldn't have snuck across the border. My deep sympathies for people who committed a crime and aren't being put up at the Hilton.
44
@Josh Hill
Seeking asylum is not a crime. Mistreating our fellow humans or any living being is and should be.
166
@Josh Hill When did it become illegal to seek asylum in the U.S. ?
I await your answer.
21
@T.R.I.
Nothing illegal about seeking asylum. Something terribly wrong, however, in encouraging asylum seekers to cross our border when we cannot safely accommodate them.
17
And our president prefers friendships with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. Think how the three of them can sit in their private talks and discuss how they treat and will treat people who try to get into their kingdoms......and what they’d do. Then picture them laughing and smiling as they recite their mutual cruel ideas.
These men are the top picks for Donald Trump’s world wide friends. Throw in the Saudi Prince, too. Never mind what he did to Koshoggi, right, and who knows who else?
It is very, very difficult to even come close to believing what has happened to America under this cruel leader, Donald Trump. I’m ashamed of him and ashamed of my fellow Americans who support him. Everyday gets harder to believe.
55
The congressional delegation which toured the “ detention facilities” are not just random people.They are people elected to represent us-they are given the authority to allocate tax payer money.They have a duty to inspect these facilities and report to their constituents.It is unthinkable that they are treated so shabbily by BorderPatrolAgents and Trump’s MAGA supporters.The thuggish behavior of these groups is a reminder of other bad times when people were detained-this needs to be remedied now before the US has another stain on its record of treating immigrants and indigenous people badly.
43
Texans should be ashamed that this is happening!! (But I doubt that many are).
15
@Lois Lettini It has been a long time since Texans felt ashamed about straying from American ideals.
4
@Stephanie Wood And all of us who don't support this are allowing it to continue every single day. Plenty of blame to go around.
Adults take responsibility. Children, which is what Trump supporters are, revel in sadism because they have yet to develop a moral sense. I mean near-toddlers, mind you, who naturally might slam a fellow kid's head into the ground, once, before they learn that's not OK.
4
@Lois Lettini Especially since Texas was stolen from Mexico in an overt war of conquest intended to expand slave territory on the ground and in Congress.
1
Why is anyone be shocked by this? This is what they do. "The cruelty is the point."
37
Anyone who has been "processed" at the tomes in lower Manhattan is familiar with the things in this article. Sleeping on concrete, Filthy toilets, Over crowed facilities while empty holding rooms can be seen across the hall and more.
This is who we are.
17
@Allan We are the worst because we could be the best. The conditions of North Korean jails are understandable because the people are enslaved, but we are free and therein lies the ignominy.
7
All I hear is another tax and spend initiative by anti-middle-class Democrats. Didn't the president of El Salvador apologize? For what? Irresponsibility? How many Americans are priced out of the housing market (the reason for that father's deadly antics)? Far too many. Implicit in that apology is the suggestion that the American middle-classes are responsible for what's happening at the southern border. Enough is enough. Not one more penny for that fiasco. Congress in general ought to be focusing on a balanced budget rather than fireworks and incendiary political campaigns. Don't blame Trump. This is decades in the making as are so many of our current problems.
38
Blame the Democrats for higher taxes? My taxes went up $13,500. I don’t recall any Democrats voting for Trump’s tax law. I agree that we should get our finances in order but I’d suggest you do some research before laying the blame on higher taxes on the Democrats.
68
Wow. Human rights abuses and we shouldn’t blame Trump?
Also, Don’t blame the Dems for your taxes, that’s all GOP
47
@OldMaid Thanks for telling me who I can't blame. I blame Drumpf. Thanks again.
Yes, some problems have been going on for a while.
BUT, you are either part of the solution or part of the problem.
The GOP is the problem.
5
It is truly horrifying that we have allowed our country to become so degraded that (some of) our citizens cheer on the horrors perpetrated by our border patrol officials. True these CBP officials have been allowed to encouraged to dehumanize the weakest among us. And we can be sure most of these CBPs consider themselves good Christians in the same way the Evangelicals believe #45 is doing God's bidding.
52
I believe Hannah Arendt referred to this as “the banality of evil.” Trump has given free reign for “average” citizens to indulge in their basest instincts.
18
Why are Americans acting as though anesthetized in the face of these hideous acts? Long ago in the mid '80s as a special agent my work required that I spend two months in the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA, a site where a wide range of law enforcement professionals - from State Department Security and Secret Service agents down the food chain through agents of specific federal departments, state and local law enforcement professionals of various kinds and employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Border Patrol - co-existed in a variety of training programs on a former Navy base. There was a pervasive, indoctrinated anti-intellectual, unapologetically homophobic and anti-urban atmosphere there. The Border Patrol agents were notably (and widely acknowledged to be) belligerent even in their behavior at the base and the BoP personnel were worse. I shudder to contemplate the circumstances of refugees under their control.
Yesterday's disclosure about the hateful Facebook page that these employees communicated on was entirely of a piece with what I witnessed.
The behavior that Trump induces and condones metastasizes predispositions that already exist in those agencies. Why aren't American's screaming at the top of their lungs? This isn't merely loathsome behavior in the context of American criminal justice. These are crimes against humanity and I want to see Trump and company at the Hague.
239
@JG
Thank you for this post. Spot on.
9
Yes but how do we stop this? It is absolutely vital to our future that this ends and we hold people accountable.
1
@Mathias
That's the question that is never answered when one of the Congressional members is interviewed on TV.
No one has said what can be done about it. The funding bill doesn't stop this.
Who can file a lawsuit against Trump and the head of the CBP? Do we need the UN?
The lesson is not a new one. If the larger society allows one group to be dehumanized, all of us become dehumanized. It really is that simple. I am not surprised that the border agents are callous and express disdain for these immigrants. I am saddened that our government has allowed this to perpetuate, and even encouraged it. I am angered that our President and his political party show no remorse for encouraging this horror. I am convinced that we can do better.
50
Democrats need to come up with an immigration plan that addresses DACA, aid to Central America, a guest worker program that can only be accessed from home country and a swift asylum processing and rules that returns failed seekers quickly. They need to have an answer to the problem and admit there is an issue or they are going to lose the next election. I will vote blue all the way through no matter what - but it is not my vote you are working for and you have to have a plan.
35
The NYT left out a very important statistic carried in the original ProPublica report: there are roughly 20,000 Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents and this closed, secret, invitation-only group CBP agents has 9,500 members.
Even though the group 9,500 reportedly includes a number of retirees, this horrific breach of public trust is clearly not isolated. Remember that when Trump and the GOP tell the American people that the problem is just "a few bad apples."
315
“Only” 9,500 out of 20,000? That’s almost half of all of the agents. Shameful.
5
I'm in awe of AOC's courage and leadership. And I fear for her safety.
287
@jc I am still waiting to hear about legislation she has sponsored, that adresses the needs of her constituents in the Bronx. The media has heped create "Madame Defarge" and they are the beneficiaries of her "roleplaying".
30
@jc
Please, she is Trump wth out the fake tan. She lives on hate and outrage and requires daily media attention. The main stream media is already tracking her lies. People are homeless, hungry, incarcerated in abhorrent conditions and dying because they cannot afford medical care in her district and she only cares about foreigners who break US law. We don't need 4 more years of Trump and we don't need more hate in our government.
32
@skramsv
How did you come to this opinion?
9
God help us when Congressional representatives cannot freely walk throughout a government facility housing refugees! They had to turn over cellphones so they could not record the sights and sounds of the detention centers. The hateful Facebook group of employees was created THREE YEARS AGO?! Our nation provides basic needs for adult convicted criminals and war criminals but our nation cannot do the same for innocent children?! How many of those pro-trumpf loud-mouths are Native Americans? I suspect none. At some point we all came here from other countries for a better life. These refugees have come here to be safe from the ruthless violence of their home country. I am ashamed of our country.
436
@me
Opposing separating families, locking children in cages and keeping human beings in conditions like does NOT MEAN APPROVING OPEN BORDERS. The so-called "greatest country" ought to be better than this. Or we can drop the pretense and admit that we're just as brutal a people as anywhere else.
22
@me
Have you a binary mind?
If it's not closed borders it must be open borders?
How about crossing our borders by non-Americans according to the law AND enforcement by CBP without resorting to unlawful and disrespectful practices?
Or is that only for higher level of intelligence individuals?
26
@me No matter how many times you people try to boil it down to "you want open borders," it can't hide the fact that you are obfuscating the true problem. (Obfuscating is in the dictionary, me.) Name one Democrat who advocates for open borders. You can't. The money being made by private companies (thanks John Kelly) and the cruelty to the migrants IS the point.
20
Immigrants built the nation. But if we don't curtail their steady march into the USA they will soon explode our population into a billion. Despite the fact that 45 is a despicable person one does see that we have to draw the line with this issue. Not just Latino immigrants but those who are coming through Central American from Africa and Asia must be stopped. No sovereign nation has a majority of people who want to be infiltrated and marginalized by newcomers, let alone pay the exorbitant costs of giving them medical care, housing and finding them gainful employment.
61
Perhaps if we provided meaningful assistance and promoted economic development in the failed South American countries (damaged severely by our “war on drugs”) these people wouldn’t need to come here. Why can’t you imagine how terrible their lives are for them to take these risks?
75
@Howard Rubinstein wow. You don't know, and of course how could you, that I work for the Federal agency charged with presiding over this fiasco. And that my fellow officers who have deployed to the border are feeding us fresh stories daily. As an American you should also know that our corporatist state exists solely to deliver massive profits to the shareholders on a regular basis and that the USA doesn't care about anything but money and financial returns whenever we go into another country...
14
@Tournachonadar I live in NY City. come visit and you will meet a place teeming with immigrants who live in enclaves where only Russian ( and other Eastern European), Chinese,Korean, Indian/ Pakistani, and Polish is spoken. Only politics keeps ICE from raiding these populations, as they do with Latinos.
7
This article doesn't do justice to the Pro Publica article about this secret Border Patrol Facebook group. I suggest people read it--the posts are disgusting and unprintable here.
The name calling of migrants and House representatives, the comments reveal a level of cruelty and depravity within the border patrol that's truly alarming.
Under this president, immigrants, many of whom are bona fide asylum seekers, are being treated worse than animals. "Drink from a toilet"? My God.
But I don't know what's worse--the conditions inside these immigrant holding pens or the fact so many pro-administration protestors have gathered to harass the representatives themselves.
Under this president-- yes, let's assign the blame where it lies--American society is being torn apart by a growing embrace of political violence and intolerance over the issue of immigration.
We have a massive problem when so much hate is preventing any chance of solving the border crisis, and our broken patchwork of immigration law.
517
@ChristineMcM
Gosh, those pesky First Amendment rights, right? I mean, who would think that people who work together complain about out of touch bosses and blow off steam with inappropriate-for-public comments?
As far as the treatment of these economic migrants trying to enter the country illegally, if they followed our immigration process instead of trying to sneak in and offering up baloney asylum requests spoon fed to them by open borders groups when caught, they wouldn’t be in this situation. I also highly doubt anything AOC claims...if she said things fall down when dropped, I would drop something to be sure. The border “crisis” will be solved when those illegally entering the country stop trying to doing so. Until then, I am100% comfortable with the current administration’s approach, and would encourage even more aggressive enforcement.
10
@QED
I really wonder how a human being can be 100% comfortable with the kind of treatment we've heard described here. That is profoundly disturbing. Profoundly. Do we not teach our children empathy? We can disagree on immigration policy, but on the issue of common decency, we should all be united. I am deeply saddened and frightened by the comments of my fellow Americans in support of these atrocities.
34
@Bob
I really do not see the issue here - these migrants are being held in conditions similar to or better than those of the jails in their home countries. I am more concerned that there is an expectation that the US fund the housing and care of people trying to break into our country.
A much better solution (other than the obvious one of, you know, following immigration law and not trying to game the system with spurious asylum claims) would be for true refugees to settle in the first stable country they encounter, ie, Mexico. Failing that, we should be returning captured migrants to their countries of origin within 24 hours of capture or, better yet, turn them around and walk them back into Mexican territory. I am fine if some bonafide asylum seekers fall through the cracks and get sent back to danger in their homeland.
Failed states in Central America are not our responsibility to fix or waste money on.
11
All centers with children - and adults - should be fully transparent and available for visits from members of Congress, the Senate, the press - and the public.
They should be allowed to accept donations, also.
Only by making the centers visible can this this situation be resolved.
201
@Postette
I don't understand how the "rules" of oversight of these facilities were determined and who determined them.
These are CBP facilities - they belong to the taxpayers. And Congressional members are our representatives.
Why isn't there a lawsuit filed in a federal court against Trump, the head of DHS, the head of the CBP for this abuse of power and dereliction of duty.
Anyone in our custody is due proper care - even POWs are treated better and according to laws.
8
@Postette Donations? To centers already getting $750/day/person? Where is that money going, as it is clearly not going to provide decent housing for these people? How could we be sure donations would be properly directed?
6
@vibise
GEO Corp
Businesses Serving Immigration Detention Under Fire, And Try To Remain Secret : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2019/06/30/736940431/under-siege-and-largely-secret-businesses-that-serve-immigration-detention
Please stop Cortez and Omar and Tlaib from being quoted about anything important. They are viewed by MOST Americans as way “off the farm” and nothing the 3 of them say will be taken seriously.
74
They may be “off the farm” on several issues but on this issue of humanely treating migrants in detention they are sharply on point. It costs no more money to treat detainees with decency and respect. The CBP agents proven to be doing otherwise should be summarily dismissed with as harsh a financial penalty as permitted by law.
58
The 3 members of Congress are (thankfully) not the only leaders speaking out. We need to ask WHY these 3 woman are so demonized by Fox News and the right. It seems that these 3 courageous lawmakers are doing their level best to address a complicated issue fairly and ethically. We need to listen to them, not demonize them for doing their jobs. The reported actions of the Border agents are obscene and cruel. The amount of money awarded to contractors is obscene and outrageous. May the truth be shouted from the rooftops.
147
I suppose you’re the official spokesperson for “most Americans “ I’m a naturalized citizen, by the way.
17
How can we help? I can't find the link from last week on how to help these children? Is there not a group allowed to volunteer? What have we become as a country?
13
@florn2604
I understand teacher's are going to demonstrate.
You can call your rep and senators no matter their party, identify yourself, and tell them to impeach because of this.
Tell them you won't vote for anyone in any party again unless the person come out for impeachment, even on on this alone.
Is it a crime? Yes, there are numerous child protection laws , civil rights laws, child labor laws, public health laws, many laws local to federal being broken.
Knowing, as we all now know, him included and not acting as president, and he won't, he'll boast, makes him complicit in the crimes, the taking of children from family he said early on he explicitly did to keep immigrants away through fear.
When children are taken strictly to create fear in the parents to make them comply with ones wishes, it's a crime called child abduction. It is not child protection. It's kidnapping.
Many of these children are now missing. Good things do not happen to missing children. They can be trafficked, forced into servitude -- as they are in these concentration camps, made to look after other, littler children -- wind up in child porn, assaulted, or dead.
No politician acts except under extreme unrelenting overwhelming demand from voters.
Call.
Daily.
About these children and toddlers, if nothing else.
Never sit down.
Never shut up.
Keep it up until each child is safe and secure.
Find them.Treat them like children.
Put the families back in contact.
We have our voices.
4
@florn2604
I understand teachers are going to demonstrate.
You can call your rep and senators no matter their party, identify yourself, and tell them to impeach because of this.
Tell them you won't vote for anyone in any party again unless the person come out for impeachment, even on on this alone.
Is it a crime? Yes, there are numerous child protection laws , civil rights laws, child labor laws, public health laws, many laws local to federal being broken.
Him knowing, as we all now know, and not acting as president,
makes him complicit in the crimes, the taking of children from family he said early on he explicitly did to keep immigrants away through fear.
When children are taken strictly to create fear in the parents to make them comply with ones wishes, it's a crime called child abduction. It is not child protection. It's kidnapping.
Many of these children are now missing. Good things do not happen to missing children. They can be trafficked, forced into servitude -- as they are in these concentration camps, made to look after other, littler children -- wind up in child porn, assaulted, or dead.
No politician acts except under extreme unrelenting overwhelming demand from voters.
Call.
Daily.
About these children and toddlers, if nothing else.
Never sit down.
Never shut up.
Keep it up until each child is safe and secure.
Find them.Treat them like children.
Put the families back in contact.
We have our voices.
3
@florn2604
The truth does not align with the faux outrage narrative AOC and the pro illegal immigration folks are pushing. There are volunteer groups helping detained people, donations are being not only accepted but called for.
But the best way to help is to enforce our immigration laws and to remove those who are illegally in the US. Please read the United Nations reports and papers on Human Trafficking and how the US is a top destination for human trafficker and that AOC and the rest of the pro-illegal immigration crowd are aiding and abetting traffickers by their actions. It will make you physically ill.
5
"Most of the Democratic lawmakers on the trip to Texas voted against a $4.6 billion humanitarian aid package last month..."
Is it just me or does this seem a bit contradictory? I guess it's just me. Is it too late for a Scotch or too early?
39
@Mark Shyres
They voted against the senate version. They all voted for the house version previously. The senate version allowed much more leeway for how the Trump admin spends the money.
38
AOC voted against both the House and Senate version. In essence she was against the funding regardless of terms/budget/etc.
Not sure she is consistent in understanding/preaching/acting
20
@Al: she's most consistent. She was against funding with no constraints on how the funds are used. It's called making administration officals accountable--you don't just hand them $4.6 billion dollars or whatever the amount was, without making sure the money goes to real needs, not the needs of the private for-profit prison companies that are making money off the border concentration camps.
94
This is just shameful.
Neglect, hostility, and lack of basic human compassion. The fact that Trump blames a serious humanitarian crisis on the "Democrats in Congress" instead of pursuing a humane solution to the problem shows, once again, his inherent and innate disregard for compassionate leadership.
He doesn't understand or care that his hateful influence will reverberate for generations in the minds of those unwilling to show compassion and reason.
390
He understands. He doesn’t care.
41
It’s useful to him. It’s a lie, but his lazy, jobless followers mindlessly believe him and spend all day spamming comment boards with the same nonsense about Dems wanting “open borders” (an astonishing number of Trump supporters literally can’t even spell “border” correctly), that we are “inviting” them, that we have no moral obligation to the most vulnerable, including mothers and small children, etc. These desperate people are a political tool for Trump and his sick followers.
10
I think that President Trump should reverse this terrible policy that President Obama institutes. Glad it’s getting attention - now that the era of hagiography is over.
6
@My Aim Is True I'm not a bad shot, either. What are your foundations in the country MY ancestors sweated to build and bled to defend over nearly 400 years?
3
@William Burgess Leavenworth - Respectfully, I am not quite sure you are getting my point. The Obama administration started this policy, but only now it gets the attention it deserves as the anointed one kicked the can down the road. I abhor what is happening to these children and families, but lets not forget where it started. And by the way, the Democrats voted down a massive aid package on politics. And as for my ancestors, are a father and 2 grandfathers who served in the military good enough for you?
Two things are true: the situation at the border is dire, and Customs and Border Protection is a disgraced agency.
We have a hate fueled president who is unraveling our democracy, and there’s nothing stopping him. I’m beginning to doubt we will make it to November 2020.
174
@Gimme Shelter The entity that is disgraced is Congress for permitting a mockery of border security and not coming up with a proper immigration policy. Most Democrats want open borders or at least de facto open borders. Most Americans don’t. The Democrats, by refusing to formulate an immigration policy, are playing right into Trump’s hands. Thanks a lot!
1
@RLS
Open borders* made America great in the first place:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
*Many people were turned away. Even then the borders weren't really open.
No one is for "open borders"; that's a straw man. However, if it's between lifting a lamp and erecting a wall...I say enlighten the world!
@RLS - Republicans controlled Congress for 6.5 years of Obama admin. and did zero. They controlled Congress the first two yrs. of trump, and did zero. They still control the senate and block anything the House offers. Again, NO one is for open borders and free medical care - this is nonsense fabricated by the right wing noise machine, repeated ad nauseum ad infinitum.
Maybe if this president weren't so busy kissing the back sides of murderous dictators, he'd employ his self exclaimed masterful negotiating skills with the leaders of these countries and put some end to the corruption and violence these people are fleeing.
1
This abominable treatment of refugees is happening in our country as part of a sanctioned immigration policy. Some of the agents implementing these atrocious policies of child separations and imprisonment in inhumane conditions are gleefully mocking migrants’ desperation and joking about their tragic deaths on social media. It’s unconscionable and unAmerican. No one flees their homeland and risks their lives if they aren’t desperate. Many are fleeing death threats and violence. They know their chances of staying alive where they were born are not good, so they risk it all by coming here to seek asylum. That doesn’t mean we can mistreat them by ripping the children out of their parents’ arms and making them sleep on concrete floors with no soap or toothbrushes. Members of Congress were scolded for making hug gestures towards an immigrant child during the visit! What possible harm is there in that?! It’s just plain cruel to deny a child any affection. It’s plain that these detention centers are not merely for “holding” refugees while they are “processed”. It’s an intentional campaign to mistreat them by denying their basic humanity. Everyone responsible from the top down needs to be held liable. Our collective humanity is at stake.
141
@SandraP
They're economic migrants, not refugees.
18
@Jim I think you'll find they're refugees, from gangs supported by our drug addictions.
Nobody leaves home and ancestors for frivolous reasons. Just as our ancestors came here as religious refugees from the wars of the Reformation, and refugees from the Inclosure Acts of the 17th and 18th centuries.
5
@SandraP We should send those agents to Guantanamo, or perhaps to a prison in the lands of our middle eastern "allies."
2
The ill feelings — the hostility — these children will have for the U.S. when they're adults is incalculable. Right this moment we are abusing children and breeding our enemies. And we know it but do nothing.
35
People imagine this to be true, but it’s not how humans work. If these kids wanted vengeance, Count of Monte Cristo style, it would be surprising and unusual. What usually happens to traumatized children is that they are damaged and some are broken. They carry pain and trauma with them the rest of their lives.
It’s nice to think that oppression carries in it the seeds of its own destruction, but the reality is that people hurt innocents, very badly, don’t feel much about it apart from righteousness and excitement, go on to live long and comfortable lives, and die in their beds of old age.
So don’t comfort yourself. Any mercy or justice in this world is something we have to make ourselves.
5
There is zero legal basis for requiring members of Congress to surrender their phones in a facility to house migrants.
423
@polymath A Canadian who is an expert in US law and regulations? I doubt that.
6
@polymath No kidding especially since U.S. taxpayers are footing the bill for this. As our elected representatives they need to report back to us. This isn't a dictatorship. Not yet anyway.
13
@John Quinn
Ha! I would be willing to bet that the average Canadian knows more about our laws and how our government is supposed to function than the average American does.
13
If Integrity was still a thing, everyone in that Fascistbook group would resign immediately. And so would every other person who works for so called Customs and Border Protection. If you think we need people in these jobs, there are plenty of people crossing the border looking for a better life who could replace them.
44
And I am certain that the refugees would treat other refugees more humanely, having walked a mile (or several hundred) in their shoes .... we must be hiring the lowest of the low to fill these jobs with ICE and CBP, that they are treating people like caged animals. I wonder how many of these ICE and CBP people could pass a background check? I know they couldn’t pass a “treats others well” check!
15
I wonder how many of those pro-Trump hecklers know the Constitution, our national laws on immigration, or even the name of the poem on the Statue of Liberty.
There is a way for them to make America great again, though- they can move out.
95
@R Mandl-Trump is hideous in most regards, but contrary to your belief, Emma Lazarus’s poem on the Statue of Liberty is not law.
9
@Alex
I think you might need to re-read what R said. He/she did not say it was a law. They said they wondered if the Trumpers even knew what the NAME of the poem is.
4
I’m horrified but no longer surprised that this is happening in the United States. If this doesn’t result in a complete dismantling of ICE, we’ll only see more atrocities.
24
We wouldn't have these problems if it were absolutely clear to those who WANT to come to the USA that they are not supposed to come, will not benefit from coming, will not get asylum, will not get released into the USA.
47
Well, Karl, all of that is very easy to say when you’re already on the inside, looking out. Another perfect example of Republican “ I’ve got mine, to heck with you and your problems” mindset. I wonder, do you have any idea what the words “compassion” and “empathy” mean? I realize we cannot take in the entire world, but surely we can treat women and children more humanely than this when they come to our borders. What an embarrassment for America in general and Trumpists in particular. Only they are so clueless that they have no shame.
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@Karl K
An asylum request is essentially a free pass to live in the US unimpeded for 1-2 years.
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@A Bird In The Hand
Another perfect example of Democratic Socialists who get on their moral high horse and puts words in the mouths of the people they imagine the other side to be. Did you ever hear of a concept called "root cause?"
Correct the root cause, and the problem disappears. No people coming, no abuse.
Meanwhile, I'll send the illegal migrants -- emphasis on ILLEGAL-- to your house, and you can show them all the compassion you can muster.
Then again, you don't have to live with the consequences of YOUR ideology. You expect others to solve it for you.
5
If 5% of these allegations are true, the situation is unacceptable and it must be tackled immediately.
That said, crossing that river was indeed a serious offense, unless the woman claims that Mexico is the persecuting country (very unlikely). Immigration laws are actually more forgiving than people think but crossing the border illegally is not something anyone should treat as a trivial offense - it's just about the worst thing one can do within the scope of immigration law. Some potential legal immigrants have to wait 20 years only to see their cases denied.
Mexico offered asylum to most migrants. Don't cross that lethal river, especially if you have children with you.
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@natan They take the risk because dems come on air daily to pander to them even more. Dems offer illegals more benefits than our own homeless, poor and veterans. They are luring them to cross the river.
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@Independent My experience of people who say "dems" and "illegals" has not been that they agree with benefits for the homeless, poor, or veterans. In fact, my experience has been that they are outraged beyond belief by the smallest crumb of aid to such people. Therefore, I cannot accept your concern for America's poor as genuine nor your argument as honest.
1
Just as Stephen Miller planned.
The system was designed to be as punitive as possible,
in order to 'send a message',
and because this administration loves cruelty.
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