HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — State lawmakers are asking federal officials to bring an end to family deportations and release children currently being held at the Berks County Immigrations and Customs Enforcement facility.
Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and Welcoming PA Caucus sent a letter to the acting director of ICE, Tony Phan, requesting the release of 23 children and 28 families. The lawmakers emphasized how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could worsen cramped spaces and unsanitary conditions at the Berks facility, which could result in a human rights crisis.
“If your office completes plans to deport these families, they face likely death or torture in their home country,” the lawmakers wrote. “Family detention goes against our most fundamental values as a society. And it is unconscionable to not correct this injustice.”
In addition to sending a letter to Phan, Pa. lawmakers asked Governor Tom Wolf to issue an Emergency Removal Order to compel the families’ release.
- Justice Dept. watchdog opens probe of response to riot
- Ball security at the top of the list for Bills offense vs. Ravens
- Biden to lay out plan to ramp up COVID-19 vaccine distribution
- ‘Strong evidence’ suggests Capitol rioters intended to ‘capture and assassinate’ officials, US prosecutors say
- Dr. Maya Angelou honored with a Barbie doll
