Critics pointed out that the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) tactics included subjecting parents to prolonged examinations, intending to weaken their claims of trauma. The White House, however, evaded questions concerning this matter.
The Biden administration faced mounting criticism on Monday regarding the DOJ’s strenuous opposition to providing financial compensation to migrant families separated at the border
The concerns arose following the release of an investigative report by USA TODAY and the Arizona Republic, which shed light on undisclosed details about the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy. The article revealed that some government officials believed the policy aimed to intentionally harm families. Disturbing instances were highlighted, such as a father who claimed he was coerced into signing deportation documents without understanding their contents, ultimately resulting in the separation from his daughter.
During a White House briefing, a USA TODAY reporter pressed Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about the DOJ’s continued resistance despite President Biden’s condemnation of the policy as a “moral and national shame.” Jean-Pierre echoed previous statements from the White House, emphasizing that Biden had characterized the policy as a violation of the nation’s core principles and had taken steps to address the issue. She cited the establishment of a task force dedicated to reuniting families, which has successfully reunited over 700 families.
Jean-Pierre acknowledged that the work was ongoing but refrained from directly addressing the government attorneys’ opposition to the families’ claims in court
Advocates and affected families expressed dismay over the administration’s refusal to settle the claims, asserting that it forced the victims, including children, to either relinquish their right to seek restitution or risk losing out on compensation. Despite Biden‘s vocal disapproval of the policy and his official termination of it upon assuming office, his Department of Justice attorneys have continued to contest tort claims filed by dozens of affected families. Additionally, the report highlighted the absence of a comprehensive system to track separated families and the struggle to maintain open communication lines between detained children and their families.
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