Detaining Fathers Does Little to Protect Public Safety
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Press Release

 

For Immediate Release   
Contact: Dan Gordon <mailto:[email protected]>,
617-651-0841  
August 2, 2023 

**Family Separations in Texas Are the Wrong Approach** 

**WASHINGTON, D.C.** - Officials from the Texas Department of Public
Safety (DPS) have been detaining migrant fathers for minor trespassing
charges in recent weeks, separating families in an apparent policy
change, the Houston Chronicle
<[link removed]> has
reported.  

The situation recalls the "zero tolerance
<[link removed]>" policy
under the Trump administration. A DPS spokesman acknowledged
that fathers traveling with their families have been arrested and
highlighted as "a key difference from the Trump policy" that mothers
have not been separated from their children. A previous DPS policy
directed that families with minor children be kept together and referred
to U.S. Border Patrol. 

"Detaining fathers and separating families to enforce minor offenses is
the wrong approach," said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the
National Immigration Forum. "Fathers are an essential part of their
family unit. Texas' actions should trouble all of us who value
family unity.  

"We are concerned to see yet another
<[link removed]> disturbing
report about Texas' deterrence-based approach to immigration.
Arresting and detaining fathers on misdemeanor trespassing offenses
separates families and does little to protect public safety. Texas must
end this practice immediately and take steps to ensure the
preservation of family unity and human dignity." 

"God's concern for life extends to every member of a family. If Texas
leadership claims they are Christian, pro-family, and pro-life, the
policies that they continue to be enacted along the border are counter
to all of these beliefs. Children and women are suffering the
consequences of these deterrence measures and face increased
vulnerability while being separated from their fathers and
husbands. Secure borders and compassion are not mutually exclusive
concepts. We can and must do better," said Bri Stensrud, Director
of Women of Welcome <[link removed]>, a community of
evangelical women dedicated to understanding God's heart for the
immigrant and refugee through Scripture. 

### 

 

 

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