Thread by @SirineShebaya

Just wrapping up from a long day at a border immigration detention center today, where along with a rock star team of women attorneys we interviewed more than 100 people. /1

Just between the three of us, @ofelial1 @SEDLAW15 and I talked to more than 30. Two most notable observations: /2

First, each and every one of the people we spoke with who has crossed the border had been separated from their child. Every single last one. That’s pretty dramatic in its own right. /3

Second, By today most of them had gotten one brief phone call with their lost child. But only one person actually knew where his child was. Even after finally being able to connect, most parents still had no idea where their children were or how they could find them. /4

Their stories were harrowing. People fled terrible situations, came over with their children. But instead of finding refuge, they found a new kind of terror. Several said they were taken to criminal court for prosecution and then came back to find their children gone. /5

None of them knew what to do to be reunited with their kids. Person after person stoically told us the most horrifying stories about their lives without batting an eye. But when it came to their kids, they all broke down. All they wanted to know was when they’d be reunited. /6

The need is great and the challenges are many. But more than anything, I’m left feeling so deeply in awe of the courage it takes to have the strength and vision to pick up their children and leave, whether fleeing for their lives or in search of a better future. /7

Most of us will never face anything that comes close to that kind of choice. It doesn’t matter where they crossed the border; many have strong asylum claims. All are in need of legal assistance. But very few will ultimately get it. /8

We are going back in tomorrow. We will post more as we learn more. But for now, we have the night to think about how lucky we are that we know exactly where our children are and when we will be seeing them next. /end

#FamilesBelongTogether