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McCollum Opposes Family Separation at the U.S.-Mexico Border

June 19, 2018

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor opposing the Trump Administration's harmful policy of separating families at the U.S.-Mexico border:

I oppose President Trump's outrageous policy of separating families on our southern border.Tearing children from the arms of their parents, confining them in cages with children caring for one another should never happen anywhere in the world. And it should never happen in America.

The National Association of School Psychologists calls this - "emotional violence." They go on to say - "Such trauma can have life-long consequences with respect to children's mental and behavioral health."

This is a human rights violation committed by the Trump administration. And make no mistake – President Trump has the power to end this today. When the President says that he is required by law to enact this policy, or when he blames Democrats for the crisis he has created – Mr. President – you are not telling the truth.

So tomorrow, you don't need to campaign in Minnesota. You need to stay in Washington. Stop this heartless policy. The American people demand these children be given back to their parents.

End this crisis – now. I yield back.