To: The United States House of Representatives and The United States Senate
Investigate detention camps for migrant children
Douglas R Benner
Congress must use its oversight authority to make sure that the treatment of migrant children being held by our government is consistent with both our laws and our values. Both houses of Congress must use their investigative authority, including the power of subpoena, to this end.
The children must be given the opportunity to tell congressional investigators about their living conditions.
Any credible evidence of child abuse and/or neglect must be referred to the appropriate authorities for criminal prosecution.
Any facility with a pattern of abuse and neglect must be closed.
Why is this important?
When the government takes children from their parents, it has a legal and moral obligation to provide appropriate care for the children. We have seen and heard alarming reports that the government has failed to fulfill this obligation to immigrant children separated from their parents and detained upon entering the country. The executive branch has had more than enough time to correct these issues. It is past time for Congress to take a more active role.