Heinrich Statement On Anniversary Of Trump Administration’s Family Separation Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 7, 2019) – On the anniversary of the Trump Administration's decision to adopt a policy that ripped apart hundreds of migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico Border, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) warns that children continue to be in danger.

"It remains unfathomable that the Administration would ever consider enacting a policy that would tear apart hundreds of migrant families, leaving any hope of reunion plagued with ambiguity. But one year later, the president's inhumane and reckless immigration policies continue to put the lives of children in danger," said Senator Heinrich."Family separation inflicts permanent trauma on innocent children and their parents, many of whom are fleeing violence and seeking asylum. Ripping children as young as infants and toddlers away from their parents as a form of punishment or deterrence is morally indefensible. I will continue to hold the White House accountable for adhering to our laws and to American values."

Earlier this year, Senator Heinrich and more than 40 other Democratic senators introduced legislation to keep immigrant families together and prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from taking children from their parents at the border. The Keep Families Together Act would prohibit the separation of children from their parents or legal guardians at or near ports of entry or within 100 miles of the border, unless they are being trafficked or abused by their parents.

In June 2018, Senator Heinrich traveled to the border to visit Tornillo, Texas, where he examined a temporary tent facility housing children, many of whom had been separated from their parents as a result the Trump administration's family separation policy. Heinrich urged greater Congressional oversight into the Trump administration's plans to reunite families, and fought to hold the Trump administration accountable for its family separation policy.