Federal authorities have compromised the rights and safety of some unaccompanied illegal immigrant children they have detained, and inadequate government guidelines are partly to blame, according to a Texas-based research group.Many children appeared before immigration judges without legal representation, some were transported home in shackles or cages, and the medical needs of some were ignored, according to a report released Thursday by the Center for Public Policy Priorities, a nonprofit think tank.
"There's no consistent policy. There's nobody who's responsible for these kids, in looking out for their safety," report author Amy Thompson said. "It's being handled in ad hoc fashion."
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration and border enforcement, disputes the center's findings.
"DHS and its component agencies treat all minors, including unaccompanied alien children, with dignity, respect and special concern for their particular vulnerabilities," spokeswoman Laura Keehner said in a statement Thursday evening.
Great job, assholes. Torture, Big Brother snooping in our telecommunications, illegal war, bribery and Congressional page molestation, and now abusing children.
I can't see how the Right's attempt at governance could have failed more disastrously
