Why are we ripping innocent children away from parents? We need to return to our defining American values and welcome those who come to our nation seeking a better life.

MADISON - The following is a statement from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Martha Laning on news that the Trump administration has been separating migrant children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. Reporting has also revealed that children in detention facilities are kept in cages described as ‘prison-like’ and at others children are reported to have attempted suicide due to the traumatizing circumstances.

“There are not words strong enough to describe how reprehensible these policies are. It sickens me to think of the amount of trauma and pain these families are enduring at the hands of our government. The treatment of refugees at the border is inhumane and well beneath our American values.

“This is a defining moment for us as a nation: Do we want to be known for ripping innocent children away from parents who are just trying to provide a better, safer life for their families? Or do we want to be known for welcoming into our communities those who need our help?

“As a nation and as a community, we are stronger thanks to the contributions of our immigrant neighbors and friends. We need to return to our defining American values and embrace and welcome those who come to our nation seeking a better life.”