NY/NJ Democrats call for an end to Trump family separation policy

<p>Democratic lawmakers from New York and New Jersey are calling on the Trump administration to end its policy of separating children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border after the families illegally entered the country.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 18, 2018, 10:17 PM

Updated 2,135 days ago

Share:

Democratic lawmakers from New York and New Jersey are calling on the Trump administration to end its policy of separating children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border after the families illegally entered the country.
“There is nothing in the law that requires the Trump administration to separate children from their families,” said Sen. Bob Menendez.
“This is a shameful chapter in American history,” said Sen. Cory Booker.
President Donald Trump says that the separation is the law and also blames Democrats for the whole situation.
“I say it’s very strongly the Democrats’ fault, their obstruction. They’re really obstructionists and they are obstructing,” President Trump said. “We can’t get them to sign legislation. We can’t even get them to the negotiating table.”
Many have now spoken out against the situation happening at the border. Critics include several prominent Republicans such as Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former first lady Laura Bush and current first lady Melania Trump.
Rep. Frank Pallone says that he doesn’t think the president is heartless, he says that he just thinks the president doesn’t know what he is doing.
Pallone was one of seven Democratic lawmakers from New Jersey and New York who gained entry to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Elizabeth Sunday for a surprise visit. They were rallying against the detention of undocumented fathers who have not seen their children for a long time.
“One guy’s daughter was taken away at 3 a.m. while he was sleeping,” Pallone says.
The lawmakers were initially not welcomed at the facility. They say that ICE officials gave them “pushback” when they first arrived. They were eventually let in about two hours later.
Pallone says that the Trump administration cannot keep using immigrant children as a negotiating tool.
“We can’t go on like this. It’s just inhumane,” Pallone says.
Democratic lawmakers say that they plan to introduce legislation next Tuesday to stop the policy that is separating families.


More from News 12
3:07
Unconscious woman rescued from Spring Valley apartment complex fire; firefighter injured

Unconscious woman rescued from Spring Valley apartment complex fire; firefighter injured

2:04
Sunny in the 60s today, light showers expected tomorrow morning

Sunny in the 60s today, light showers expected tomorrow morning

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

0:20
3 Hudson Valley small towns ranked among best places for retirement

3 Hudson Valley small towns ranked among best places for retirement

0:36
Wake and funeral announced for Westchester correction officer killed in crash

Wake and funeral announced for Westchester correction officer killed in crash

0:36
Rockland County road resurfacing program begins

Rockland County road resurfacing program begins

0:32
Naming contest announced for baby falcons on Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

Naming contest announced for baby falcons on Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

0:42
State DEC introduces new shark handling regulations for marine anglers

State DEC introduces new shark handling regulations for marine anglers

0:24
New gastropub The Governess set to open on Poughkeepsie's waterfront

New gastropub The Governess set to open on Poughkeepsie's waterfront

0:56
Headlines: 2 men from Orange County sentenced for drug dealing, Ulster County drug and weapon bust

Headlines: 2 men from Orange County sentenced for drug dealing, Ulster County drug and weapon bust

0:40
Former Spring Valley building inspector files federal lawsuit against Rockland County and DA's office

Former Spring Valley building inspector files federal lawsuit against Rockland County and DA's office

0:36
Traffic Alert: Main Street closure in Kingston for roadwork

Traffic Alert: Main Street closure in Kingston for roadwork

0:22
Authorities: Man and woman arrested in Westchester for attempted homicide and assault

Authorities: Man and woman arrested in Westchester for attempted homicide and assault

2:39
Mary J. Blige’s Road to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame started in Yonkers public housing

Mary J. Blige’s Road to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame started in Yonkers public housing

0:48
9 steps to take if your ‘fur-ever’ friend goes missing

9 steps to take if your ‘fur-ever’ friend goes missing

0:31
President Joe Biden to visit Village of Irvington for celebrity fundraiser

President Joe Biden to visit Village of Irvington for celebrity fundraiser

2:04
‘She wore her uniform proudly.’ Westchester COBA mourns late officer Eleanor Birrittella

‘She wore her uniform proudly.’ Westchester COBA mourns late officer Eleanor Birrittella

2:19
Turn to Tara team looks at new domestic violence laws implemented across tri-state following NJ murder-suicide

Turn to Tara team looks at new domestic violence laws implemented across tri-state following NJ murder-suicide

1:45
West Point’s Keller Army Hospital, Hudson Valley VA form partnership to expand access

West Point’s Keller Army Hospital, Hudson Valley VA form partnership to expand access

1:56
Armonk twins showcase baking skills for Passover

Armonk twins showcase baking skills for Passover