Linda Sánchez Statement on Trump Administration Family Separation Policy

Norwalk, CA – House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38) today released the following statement on the Trump Administration's family separation policy:

"I am appalled that the United States – the beacon of hope across the globe – is today ripping immigrant families apart. As the daughter of immigrants and as a human being, my heart aches to see the anguish of these families. I am disgusted that my government is responsible for this abhorrent policy.

"The Trump Administration has weaponized a parent's worst nightmare – the fear of separating mothers and fathers from their children. This is the type of policy more commonly found in the regimes of America's enemies – and it is shameful and inhumane. Separating families is simply un-American.

"As long as tearing immigrant families apart is the official policy of the United States government, we can no longer proudly proclaim ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free.' President Donald Trump and his administration started this policy and they have the power to end it immediately.

"If Congressional Republicans in Congress fail to stand up to the president, they will be complicit in this historic blunder. Congress must stand united to say definitively to the world that President Trump's choice to separate families does not represent America's values. We must put an end to the policy of family separation and reunite these children with their parents before it causes irreparable harm to their health and development."