CHC Statement on Judge Ruling Against Trump Administration Attempt to Indefinitely Detain Families

WASHINGTON — Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, released the following statement in response to ruling by Judge Dolly Gee to reject the Trump Administration's efforts to strip protections guaranteed to immigrant children under the Flores Settlement Agreement:

"I am pleased that our justice system has stopped the Trump Administration plans to indefinitely detain families in prison-like conditions. This victory gives us hope and is a reminder to us all – elected officials, immigration lawyers, organizers, and advocates – to keep fighting.

"Flores is not a loophole – it's a lifesaving standard that protects the basic rights and dignity of migrant children. In the last year, we have seen too many children become ill and die while in US custody. Pediatricians and child welfare experts have already stood up against family detention due to the psychological trauma and physical harm inflicted while in custody. We must protect Flores from any attempts by Trump Administration to undermine it in the court of law and the halls of our government."

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.