Number of still separated children higher than anticipated.
Two years ago, U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw ruled that the Department of Homeland Security must reunite the families separated at the border from 2017 onward. The total number of separated children at the time was 2,700. However, in reviewing the case in court last week, Judge Sabraw found that 1,556 more children were separated during that time, 545 of which federal researchers have been unable to find parents for. Some reunions have not been possible due to communicable disease or criminal offenses.
Judge Sabraw requested that attorneys from the Department of Justice look for ways to assist the administration in locating parents of the children, who have often been placed with U.S. sponsors, many of whom are relatives. Due to restrictions during the pandemic, the researchers were hindered in their progress from March through August of this year. As the coronavirus guidelines ease, it is hoped that swifter progress will be made in reuniting the children in order to meet the judge’s December 2 update deadline and December 4 court date.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- That the Department of Homeland Security would be able to effectively meet the December 2 deadline.
- For federal researchers to be granted insight and creativity as they work to reunite families.
- For the Lord to make His presence known to the children left alone at the border.
Sources: AP, CBP.gov
