Chicago City Wire

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03) joined Democratic Representatives Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Juan Vargas (CA-52) to press the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for answers on reports that border walls were used as open-air holding cells for migrants, leaving them without food, water, a safe space to sleep, and other basic needs for nearly a week. In a letter directed to the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, the members of Congress called for concrete plans to ensure the fast and humane processing of migrants. 

“As U.S. Members of Congress, we are appalled by the mistreatment of any individuals seeking asylum. No one can be subjected to ill-treatment and held in life-threatening conditions,” reads the letter. “We strongly urge CBP to ensure that migrants are treated respectfully, humanely and follow all applicable laws. Furthermore, we encourage you to make it a priority to ensure that the human rights of migrants are protected and that their asylum claims are respected and evaluated promptly.”

Full text of the letter can be found HERE.

BACKGROUND:

The letter comes after the San Diego Union-Tribune reported back on April 13 an incident in which asylum seekers were trapped between the layers of the border walls that separate San Diego from Tijuana. The report stands in stark contrast with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guideline, which establishes that migrants should not be held in holding facilities for longer than 72 hours and should be provided with regular meals, restroom accommodations, and essential personal hygiene items. 

This report and letter come days ahead of the end of Title 42. 

Original source can be found here.