Heinrich Denounces Trump Administration For Exploiting Pandemic To Deport Migrant Children Seeking Asylum In U.S.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement following reports that the Trump administration is exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to deport unaccompanied migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico Border who are seeking refuge in the U.S. The administration is ignoring laws that require the transfer of unaccompanied migrant children to the Office of Refugee and Resettlement, resulting in the deportation of thousands of migrant children.

“I find it disgusting that the president is using a global pandemic as cover to implement its inhumane, anti-immigrant policies and turn away migrant children at our nation’s southern border – many of whom are fleeing extreme violence and terror in their home countries," said Heinrich. "The inhumane practices implemented by this administration have resulted in a staggering number of children being denied asylum and instead are sent back into harm’s way. The permanent trauma President Trump is inflicting on innocent children is appalling and does not represent who we are as a nation. As we continue to deal with the impacts and spread of COVID-19, we need to ensure the health and safety of these children.”