Jacksonville, FL — With recent outcry surrounding the Trump administration's enforcement of an immigration policy that separates children from their parents, if they try to cross the border illegally, we've learned some of those kids are being housed at a federal facility in Homestead, Florida.
Governor Rick Scott says he's sent a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, to end the practice of separation, saying he 'absolutely' does not agree with it.
Scott says the Homestead facility has been used to house unaccompanied immigrant children in the past, including during the Obama Administration, but he’s only recently become aware that the facility may be housing children who have been forcibly removed from their families. His office says the facility re-opened earlier this year.
• Will you notify federal, state and local authorities immediately of any current or future unaccompanied minors – or children who were separated from their families under President Trump’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal entry into the United States – coming to, or placed in, Florida?
• Are you conducting health screenings both at the border and again at the time the children are placed in shelters?
• What health, educational, or other social services have been provided to any children placed in Florida?
Scott says Florida stands ready to assist with re-unifying children who have been separated from their families.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Bill Nelson is also making his feelings about the facility well known, as he attempted to tour the facility on Tuesday, but was told by HHS he needed to give 'two weeks notice.'
"That’s ridiculous and it’s clear this administration is hiding something," said Nelson in response.
The administration’s action today to deny us access to their Homestead, Florida facility where they are holding 1,000 migrant children is against EVERYTHING that we as a country stand for. They ought to be ashamed of themselves. pic.twitter.com/Zv8Py0f3M8
— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) June 19, 2018
Nelson says he's confirmed with HHS that the Homestead facility is housing 94 children, who have been separated from their families.
This is not a good day for our country. The Trump administration will not let us check on the welfare of the children being held in Homestead, FL. These are kids who were taken from their moms and dads. They are scared. And this administration should be ashamed of itself. pic.twitter.com/DbrknSuEIT
— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) June 19, 2018
Republican Senator Marco Rubio did not specifically address the Homestead facility, but is also voicing his concerns about the separation of families on Twitter, calling the policy ‘cruel.’
Releasing those who unlawfully enter b/c they came with children creates a cruel incentive to bring children on dangerous journey. Detaining parents is cruel because it separates families. Lets change the law so we can hold families together while awaiting expedited hearings
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 19, 2018