The number of migrant children detained in federal facilities has more than doubled in the past two months, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.
According to confidential government data from the AP, more than 21,000 migrant children are being held in a network of around 200 facilities in two dozen states. Some of the facilities run by the Department of Health and Human Services currently host more than 1,000 children.
The ages of the children range from toddlers to teenagers. HHS spokesman Mark Weber said the department is working to keep children safe and healthy.
“HHS has been working as quickly as possible to increase bed capacity and ensure that potential sponsors can provide a safe home while the child goes through their immigration process,” Weber said in a statement. “Once all-round services – basic on-site services, including vaccinations and physical procedures for children, case management, phone calls to family members, education, recreation, etc. – are available due to additional infrastructure and personnel, these will be provided as part of the operation. “
U.S. Customs and Border Protection forecast around 17,000 unaccompanied minors would be arrested in mid-April, a slight decrease from the record of 18,890 in March. The total number of incarcerations reached over 170,000 in March, with a similar level expected in April.
“The reality is this is a crisis,” Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D., Ariz.) Said in comments on KTAR News last week. “We all know, and the federal government needs to do more to counter this surge in migrants who come to the border in increasing numbers every year.”
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