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| Dear Friend, |
Thousands of unaccompanied migrant youth are being detained at a for-profit facility in Homestead, Florida. We have heard troubling reports about a lack of adequate staff, space, education resources, and translators at this facility, along with concerns that kids are being housed there entirely too long.
Last week the Department of Health and Human Services announced they are expanding Homestead for the second time this year. In response, Representatives Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Donna Shalala and I went to Homestead on Monday to conduct oversight of the conditions and care provided there. They denied us access.
Not only is this a breach of transparency and confidence in the care taking place at Homestead - it is a violation of federal law.
Homestead is classified as a “temporary” facility, shielding it from state regulation and inspection. It is critical and necessary for Congress to conduct oversight, particularly in response to the announced expansion.
Instead of expanding Homestead, we need to swiftly adopt policies that speed up release and reunifications and ensure adequate staffing and resources for young people.
That is why I will be introducing legislation soon to ensure sponsors can come forward without fear of legal repercussions, so that we can connect these young people with families, not detain them in a for-profit facility.
This is not over. We will do everything we can to address this violation of the law, demand transparency and accountability, and advocate for the welfare of the kids at Homestead.
Sincerely,
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Member of Congress
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