1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to end the detention of children at the Dilley and Karnes Immigration Processing Centers and secure the release of all minors currently held in these facilities. Since the Dilley facility reopened for family detention, approximately 3,500 detainees have cycled through, more than half of them children. ProPublica's recent investigation documented conditions that are causing serious harm to these minors. Children reported food contaminated with worms and mold, inadequate medical care consisting primarily of water and ibuprofen for serious conditions, and overcrowded rooms with metal bunk beds. An 18-month-old developed pneumonia and bronchitis after delayed treatment. Recent 911 logs showed calls for toddlers with breathing problems, children having seizures, and measles cases at the facility. The mental health impact is devastating. Children described profound depression, with some engaging in self-harm or discussing suicide. Many of these children had been living normal lives in the United States for years, attending school and building communities, before being detained with their parents during routine ICE check-ins or at checkpoints. Fourteen-year-old Ariana Velasquez from Hicksville, New York was detained for 45 days and separated from her two young siblings. Nine-year-old Maria Antonia Guerra from Colombia was held for over 100 days during what was supposed to be a family vacation. Despite a legal settlement generally limiting children's detention to 20 days, data analysis found approximately 300 children were held for more than a month, with some families detained for over 100 days. One family has been held for more than eight months. These conditions violate basic standards of child welfare and human dignity. I urge you to use your authority to immediately halt the detention of children at Dilley and Karnes and ensure the prompt release of all minors currently held in these facilities. Children should not be imprisoned for immigration proceedings.