Instead of focusing on detaining and deporting families, the Administration should finally recognize what this influx is about: refugees seeking protection at our border who should be given a real chance to find a lawyer, understand how the process works, and make their case for asylum before a judge.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are reportedly planning January raids to deport families who fled El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala but whose requests for asylum have been denied.

Michelle Brané, director of the Women’s Refugee Commission’s migrant rights and justice program issued the following statement:

“It is outrageous that the Administration plans to conduct raids on families who have fled persecution and violence. These are refugees seeking safety at our border. Instead of focusing on detaining and deporting families, the Administration should finally recognize what this influx is about: refugees seeking protection at our border who should be given a real chance to find a lawyer, understand how the process works, and make their case for asylum before a judge.”

These plans will largely affect families who arrived in 2014 and were given no information about their rights, what they were supposed to do or how to find and attorney and no clear instructions about court dates.

The vast majority of Central American families left home in fear for their lives and therefore qualify for protection in the United States. It's not illegal to ask for protection, and we should stop treating them as if we're violating a law.”