Rep. Soto Statement on Trump Administration Cruel Family Separation Policy

Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) released the following statement on the Trump Administration's policy to separate immigrant children from their families:

"It is inhumane and heartless for the Trump Administration to continue separating children as young as infants from their parents during immigration proceedings. This goes against all core American and religious values.

"As a former family law attorney, I've seen first-hand the damaging effects on children when they are separated from parents, or worse, end up becoming wards of the state. The majority of these families are fleeing life-threatening domestic abuse and gang violence in their home countries. And they endured an arduous immigration journey in search for a better future. It is cruel that the Administration's policies are inflicting additional trauma to these innocent children's lives.

"The Republican-controlled government is committing a violation of human rights. Even the United Nations has condemned this policy calling it a violation of children's rights and international law. While the President's political move is to blame democrats, the truth is, he has the power to reverse this policy immediately if he so wished.

"Mr. President: stop tearing apart families and holding these kids hostage to build your medieval border wall!"