Local officials react to letter about poor conditions in Border Patrol facilities
Children as young as three are sleeping on concrete floors with no padding. They have no access to drinking water or basic hygiene. Minors are being kept longer than they should be.
This is all according to a letter from California Senator Dianne Feinstein to the Department of Homeland Security. These were some of the conditions her staff said they witnessed at the El Centro Border Patrol Station.
Another community leader said residents have to wake up to what is happening. Imperial Valley Social Injustice Coordinator Marlene Thomas said, “I think it’s going to take a real awakening of the citizens. The people across the nation and particularly here in Imperial County because I think the majority of people do not believe that this even
One county official said he was caught off guard regarding the accusations made in the valley. “First of all, I was shocked when I heard about the detention, especially the conditions that she outlines in her letter. It probably needs to be looked into. The authorities at least on my behalf, we were even unaware,” said Raymond Castillo, Chairman of the Board. exist in our county.”
Thomas believes more has to be done but the Senator’s letter makes the county aware. Thomas said, “Increase public awareness. That these things…these atrocities really exist and they exist within our own backyard.”
In a statement released to News 11, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said, “The safety of CBP employees, detainees, and the public is paramount during all aspects of CBP operations.”
