Karen Lillis (@bookstorememoir.bsky.social)

Urgently End Family Separations and Protect Immigrant Children I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage over the revival of family separations in our immigration system. This practice is not only cruel but also inflicts lasting psychological harm on children. I urge you to take immediate action to end this inhumane policy and protect vulnerable immigrant families. Recent reports indicate that nearly 44,000 immigrants, including 1,000 children, were transported on ICE flights in just the first three months of this year. Families are being torn apart across the country, not just at the border. Children are being classified as "unaccompanied minors" when their parents challenge deportation orders, leading to prolonged and potentially permanent separations. The consequences of these actions are severe. Parents are being moved between detention centers, unable to contact their children or legal representatives. New restrictions on who can take custody of unaccompanied minors are keeping children from their relatives, further exacerbating the trauma. Experts warn of the long-term psychological damage these separations inflict on children. Moreover, there are serious concerns that the government is not adhering to court settlements designed to prevent family separations. ICE has been accused of using "national security" claims to restrict information and access to legal counsel, which is deeply troubling and potentially unconstitutional. As a member of the legislative branch, you have the power to end this cruelty. I implore you to take immediate action to: 1. Introduce or support legislation that explicitly prohibits family separations in immigration enforcement. 2. Demand transparency from ICE and other relevant agencies regarding their practices and policies. 3. Ensure that existing court settlements protecting immigrant families are strictly enforced. 4. Allocate funding for family reunification efforts and trauma-informed care for affected children. By standing up against this inhumane practice, you will be on the right side of history. Families belong together, and it is our moral obligation to protect the most vulnerable among us. Your action on this issue is urgently needed and will be remembered as a courageous stand for human rights and dignity. I look forward to hearing about the concrete steps you will take to address this critical issue. The lives and well-being of thousands of children and families depend on your swift and decisive action. https://resist.bot/letters/0f23897f-1a88-4ade-a869-c97a4443b5b6