A federal judge determined that the United States is obliged to provide safe and healthy shelter to migrant children who cross irregularly into the country, instead of leaving them in open places.
This decision was made in response to a lawsuit that seeks to protect minors who enter the country with their families.
Judge Dolly M. Gee of the Central California District Court reminded the federal government of its obligation to quickly provide housing to immigrant children arriving on US soil.
Gee highlighted that, when transferred by the Border Patrol to Immigration Detention Centers, minors remain in the legal custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which gives them the right to be protected in a safe and hygienic environment, even if they have not yet have been formally processed.
Despite the government’s arguments that the children were not in US custody, exempting them from responsibility for providing services to them, aid workers and medical volunteers have noted that many arrive in poor health, with chronic illnesses or traumatic injuries. that require medical attention.
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Help immediately
Judge Gee issued a 12-page order emphasizing that the children must receive immediate help and medical treatment. She noted that, unlike adults, minors are always under some form of custody.
Dehydration and heatstroke have been noted to be common problems among immigrant children, who often arrive with less body fat and may be malnourished due to the journey. Therefore, Gee insisted that the Department of Homeland Security must process the children quickly and place them in safe facilities with adequate hygiene standards.
The judge stressed that the ability to make decisions affecting the health and well-being of a child indicates that his or her legal custody is maintained, regardless of whether the decision is to provide or deny medical care.
Although a registry of undocumented immigrants is kept in the Detention Centers, the average number of children who cross the border alone or accompanied through Mexico daily has not yet been determined.
Gee has been in charge of the litigation that is based on the so-called “Flores agreement,” which has obligated the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for decades to provide protection to minors who cross the border alone but exempts those who They travel accompanied.
2024-04-05 03:55:55
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