Pascrell Castigates Republican Political Games on Border Enforcement

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) reacted to House Republican leadership forcing a vote on H.Res.990, a non-binding and politically-motivated resolution concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), instead of acting on legislation to end the Trump administration’s inhumane family separation policy.

“Kids are still separated from their parents because the Trump administration tore them apart. Children have been locked in cages. Credible allegations have been made against caregivers for drugging and abusing children while in federal custody. And the House Republicans’ response is to hold a meaningless vote on a non-binding resolution. Instead of focusing on solutions, Republicans are using law enforcement as a pawn in petty political brinksmanship. Democrats want immigration reform that supports border security, but this is nothing but a sideshow. Republicans are not serious about holding this administration accountable for anything, even cruelty to children. I voted “present” in objection to this sham vote. We must reunite children with their parents immediately. Families belong together!”

In June, Pascrell helped lead a delegation of Members of Congress on a surprise visit to the ICE Detention Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey and demanded to see the parents of families separated by the Trump administration’s grotesque so-called “zero tolerance” immigration policies. After being denied entry by ICE for nearly two hours, with center officials blocking the windows and calling local police, the House delegation was eventually allowed inside the jail.

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