“America’s moms are deeply dismayed by the New York Times report that the Biden administration may resume detaining families seeking asylum in the United States. We fervently hope the report is untrue and that, if the administration is really considering doing so, it decides against it once and for all. Family detention is a dangerous tactic that has been a failure in every way. It is cruel and dangerous and has caused unspeakable emotional and psychological harm to children. Imprisoning moms, children, and families is not a solution and it does not deter desperate asylum-seekers. 

“As moms, we know that all children, regardless of where they come from, deserve to be safe from the long-term harm detention causes. The administration should protect the health and safety of those fleeing violence and persecution. Instead of imprisoning children and families, we should use proven case-management programs that ensure that asylum-seekers attend their court appearances. 

“We know our leaders care about families and children, and we trust they can reach a solution that both protects families fleeing from danger and reinstates an orderly asylum system that processes children and families fleeing from harm in humane ways. Our country’s moms want every asylum-seeker and every immigrant to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect. We have the knowledge and resources to create a welcoming and orderly asylum system. We must reject family detention.”