1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I urge you to support the immediate release of families currently detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley and allow them to return to their homes and communities in the United States. Many of these families have established lives here. Their children attend school, they have support networks, and they are actively participating in their local communities. Detaining families, especially children, causes unnecessary trauma and disrupts the stability they have worked hard to build. There is extensive evidence showing that family detention is harmful to children’s physical and mental health and does not improve compliance with immigration proceedings. Community-based alternatives are more humane, more effective, and far less costly than detention. Families are far more likely to attend court dates when they are supported in their communities rather than held in facilities like Dilley, far from legal counsel and loved ones. I ask you to use your position to advocate for policies that prioritize family unity, due process, and dignity. Releasing these families back to their homes is the right thing to do and reflects our shared values of compassion and justice. Thank you for your time and for considering this urgent request. I hope you will act swiftly to ensure families are not subjected to further harm through prolonged detention.