Heinrich, Udall sponsor bill to protect immigrants

Measure would require humane, safe conditions for detainees

U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico introduced legislation Wednesday to help ensure humane and safe conditions and treatment for people in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody.

Fellow Democrat Sherrod Brown of Ohio joined them in announcing the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act, which would require CBP to meet the basic health and medical needs of people in its care by conducting health screenings and delivering emergency care, providing humane short-term detention conditions and ensuring access to adequate water, nutrition and sanitation.

“Children, families and individuals fleeing horrific violence in their home countries — who arrive at our borders seeking asylum — deserve to be treated with humanity, with dignity, and with care for their health and safety,” Udall said in a news release.

He and Heinrich called for congressional hearings last week on the conditions of border facilities. “Recent reports have painted a horrifying picture of the mistreatment that children and families are

facing at some Border Patrol facilities,” Udall said. “Let’s be clear: These inhumane conditions are legally indefensible and morally unconscionable.”

He said the legislation would establish critical humanitarian standards, “treating all human beings with the dignity, compassion and respect they deserve.”

Heinrich said the Trump administration has lost all credibility for ensuring the health and safety of children in the custody of Customs and Border Protection.

“That is why this legislation is critical,” the senator said.

The legislation would require CBP to conduct a health screening by a medical professional for each person in its care. Additionally, each facility would be required to maintain personnel and equipment necessary to conduct health screenings and provide emergency care, including access to basic medication, emergency transportation, and interpreters.

It would require undeterred access to drinking water; private, safe, clean and reliable toilets with proper waste disposal; a handwashing station; and basic personal hygiene products. It would also require appropriate bedding.

A companion bill has also been introduced in the House.