“At a time when net migration to the United States is declining, it is misleading – as well as hateful – for President Trump to demonize peaceful, asylum-seeking Central American families. Calling in the military is a misuse of his power and a calculated political ploy.

“Families who are in danger are risking their lives to walk thousands of miles to the United States because they are seeking safety. They want what we all want for our children: a place to live, learn and work safely while contributing to our communities.

“Every asylum-seeking child and family deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect. Instead, the centerpiece of Trump’s immigration policy has been to rip thousands of toddlers and children from their parents.

“What we are witnessing is nothing short of human rights abuses in the name of immigration enforcement. Instead of working on responsible immigration and asylum policies that reflect our country’s values, President Trump is fear-mongering for his own political gain. His goal is to divide us and to distract voters from his efforts to take coverage away from people with pre-existing health conditions, deny families consumer protections and coverage for essential women’s health benefits, and more.

“The moms of America know separating families and abusing children is inexcusable. We support common-sense, humane solutions and we have compassion for those whose lives are at risk. Stoking fear and hate instead of offering solutions to asylum-seeking families is abhorrent. We oppose the administration’s immigration and asylum policies and we reject the President’s irresponsible, dangerous rhetoric. We will make our views known at the polls.”