Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, along with 21 other Senate Democrats, has expressed strong opposition to the Trump Administration's plans to revive family detention. In a letter addressed to President Donald Trump, the Senators voiced their concerns about the negative impacts of family detention on migrant families.

The Senators emphasized their objection by stating, “We strongly object to the failed and inhumane practice of detaining migrant families. We are deeply disturbed by reports that your Administration intends to revive this cruel policy, which has proven to be ineffective, costly, and devastating for children and families.”

They referenced multiple studies indicating the harmful effects of family detention on children. The letter stated: “There is a widespread consensus in the United States that family detention poses serious risks to the physical and mental well-being of children. Medical and child welfare experts … have consistently condemned this practice, warning that even short-term detention fails to meet basic child welfare standards and exposes children to lasting trauma. Even the Department of Homeland Security’s own medical consultants have concluded that family detention presents a ‘high risk of harm to children and families.’”

Additionally, they pointed out that family detention is both costly and ineffective. “Family detention is not just damaging to children and families; it is also costly and ineffective. It does not deter migration. It simply inflicts suffering while draining taxpayer funds at an exorbitant cost,” they wrote.

The letter concluded with a call for alternative solutions: “There is simply no basis for reinstating this cruel, ineffective, and costly practice, particularly when there are effective solutions that, unlike family detention, do not permanently damage children’s health and well-being. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to abandon the use of family detention and instead pursue humane, evidence-based alternatives that prioritize the well-being of children and families while ensuring an orderly and lawful immigration system.”

The letter was signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Durbin has been an advocate for immigration reform over several administrations.