News & Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 9, 2018

Contact: Erin Williams, ewilliams@faithinaction.org

Washington – As reports of the treatment of children separated from their parents at the border grow more and more harrowing, Faith In Action Executive Director Rev. Alvin Herring challenges lawmakers on the detestable pattern of mistreatment and suffering of children. He released the following statement:

“In thinking of the many individuals who have suffered because of the lack of leadership within the Trump administration, the pain and trauma of migrant children who have been separated from their parents and physically and emotionally tortured hits home.

“This administration has gone way beyond trying to find a solution for managing the number of undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. to escape war and poverty, and is now in a place like that of an oligarchy or a third world country immersed in a civil war. Nothing warrants children being drugged, caged, and deprived of water. No parent seeking a brighter tomorrow for their children should ever experience U.S. government officials treating children with such disregard, contempt and cruelty.

“The Trump administration bears direct responsibility for the pain, suffering and tears of precious children. Sadly, the trauma they’ve experienced won’t end once they are released and reunited with their parents. This administration has single-handedly induced years of mental anguish that may irreversible.

“I can’t fathom what future generations will think when this time is written about in the history books. What is worse: being in the collective that caused all of this trauma, or being a citizen whose efforts to stop it fell short? This egregiousness must end.”

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Faith in Action, formerly known as PICO National Network, is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information visit www.faithinaction.org.