Children do not belong in cages

Donald Trump's "zero tolerance" immigration policy is an insult to American values.

Across the nation, Americans are outraged that children are held in detention centers. The practice violates everything we stand for, yet the Trump administration continues to detain children in tent cities and makeshift shelters.

And since the administration has arrested and deported some of the family members and others who want to care for unaccompanied migrant children, people are now too afraid to come forward.

The safety and welfare of these kids should be the priority. That's why Senator Kamala Harris and I introduced the "Families Not Facilities Act."

Our legislation would prohibit ICE from using information collected by Health and Human Services to target family members and other caregivers who come forward to care for unaccompanied migrant children.

Our bill also shifts ICE enforcement funds to programs that provide social and legal services and protect children and child migrants.

The Trump White House has stoked fear and bigotry to manufacture a crisis and then doubled down on its shameful treatment of children who will bear the scars of mistreatment for a lifetime.

History will harshly judge this appalling affront to America's humanitarian values.

America needs leaders who will do everything in their power to protect children and place them with families where they feel safe and cared for. I'll never stop fighting for decency, compassion, and the rule of law, and I will always step up to defend our most vulnerable against Trump's attacks.

Ron