Congressman Panetta Statement on Reports the Trump Administration Will Separate Families at the Border

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released the following statement on reports that the Department of Homeland Security will more frequently separate families seeking asylum at the border.

"Reports that the Department of Homeland Security will separate parents from their children at the border go against our nation's values. Families fleeing violence and turmoil in Central America and lawfully seeking asylum in the United States should be treated compassionately, not like criminals. The Trump Administration's push to undermine America's established asylum system is undue at a time when undocumented migrant border crossings are at a historic low.

"This news underscores the compelling need for comprehensive immigration reform that includes earned pathways to citizenship and the necessary, but reasonable, security along our border. I urge Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen to work with Congress on meaningful changes to our immigration system, and not tear these vulnerable families apart."