We pride ourselves on being a nation of freedom and greatness. We celebrate our values with fireworks and flags, singing songs that evoke pride in our country. Yet, beneath this facade lies a harsh reality—children are enduring severe abuse within our borders.
This is not about distant lands where our military engages; it’s happening right here in the United States—in detention centers located in Virginia, the state known as the birthplace of America, and in Texas, celebrated for its rich history. I’m not just referring to the forced separation of families, which has been labeled as torture by organizations like the United Nations and Amnesty International. I’m speaking about the direct, physical abuse of children.
A report from the ACLU, published in May 2018, exposes the shocking mistreatment of migrant children apprehended at the US-Mexico border. The ACLU has initiated legal action in Los Angeles, claiming that facilities housing children fail to provide basic necessities such as hygiene, food, and adequate medical care, contradicting the standards set by the 1997 Flores settlement. This settlement mandates that the government treat all minors in custody with dignity and respect, recognizing their vulnerability.
Take a moment to think about the children in your life. What are they doing right now? Perhaps they’re eating, playing, or simply enjoying the comfort of home. Hold that image in your mind as you read on.
The ACLU’s report reveals that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents frequently resort to unnecessary force against children. Boys are violently thrown to the ground, and in some cases, they suffer severe injuries. One child was run over by a vehicle and received no immediate medical assistance. The abuse doesn’t stop there; children are verbally abused, threatened with violence, and even subjected to threats of sexual assault.
The conditions in these facilities are appalling. Many minors are held in what is referred to as the “hielera,” or “the Icebox,” where they are subjected to extreme cold, resulting in physical distress such as pale skin and shivering. Pregnant minors face additional torment, being mocked and isolated. A girl in one facility recounted how a young boy was left in soiled clothing, illustrating the lack of basic care.
In 2014, a visit to a detention site revealed unsanitary conditions, including overflowing toilets and the presence of body fluids on walls and floors. Reports indicate that children often receive inadequate or spoiled food, with some going days without nourishment. One mother recounted having to drink from a toilet to stay hydrated, while another child described being punished by withholding food.
Moreover, necessary medical care is routinely denied. One girl suffering from asthma was dismissed as faking her condition, while another was forced to wear blood-soaked clothing without access to sanitary products. Pregnant minors are left without proper medical attention, further endangering their health.
Another disturbing lawsuit filed in October 2017 illustrates the abuse suffered by unaccompanied minors at the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center. Allegations included physical violence, verbal abuse, and a lack of privacy, all contributing to the deteriorating mental health of these vulnerable children. Reports indicate that many were inappropriately medicated with powerful drugs, risking their long-term health.
This is a reality in America today—a country that prides itself on liberty and justice. Somewhere, children are enduring unimaginable hardships, from being neglected in frigid cells to facing violent abuse.
This is your America. This is a call to recognize and confront these injustices.
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In light of this information, it’s crucial to advocate for change and ensure that the rights and dignity of every child are upheld, as mandated by law.
Summary
Children in immigration detention centers in the United States are facing severe abuse and neglect, with reports detailing physical violence, unsanitary conditions, and denial of basic necessities. Organizations like the ACLU are actively fighting for the rights of these vulnerable minors, revealing a disturbing reality that contradicts America’s self-image as a nation of freedom and justice.