Caribbean American Lawmaker Treatment of Migrants Probed

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has introduced new legislation in the United States House of Representatives to create what she describes as a “9/11-style Commission” to investigate the treatment of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Clarke, a Democrat and the daughter of Jamaican immigrants who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, said last month that the National Commission to Investigate the Treatment of Migrant Families and Children Act would create an independent body to investigate the treatment of migrant families by the administration of President Donald Trump.

“As a country founded on checks and balances, we must provide a check on what is happening at our border,” Clarke told the Caribbean Media Corporation.

“The commission, in my legislation, will investigate the conditions wherever migrants are being held in this country, because no child or person should be subjected to live in inhumane conditions, let alone die from where the American government has caged them.”

TERMS

Clarke said the commission will establish an independent body to investigate the treatment of migrant families and children by the Trump administration; function similarly to the 9/11 Commission, having full subpoena authority and the ability to pull records from relevant U.S. federal agencies; and have those who sit on it be appointed by the U.S.Congress.

She said the commission will be unlike U.S. inspector general investigations, “because the White House cannot block nor interfere in the investigation.” In addition, the congresswoman said the commission will be fully funded “and full-time staff dedicated exclusively to uncover the truth and pursue accountability.”

Clarke said Trump “clearly doesn’t value the lives of those who are seeking asylum or refugee in the United States of America.

“We must stand on the right side of history, which is why I have taken action to help these immigrant children and families by introducing The National Commission to Investigate the Treatment of Migrant Families and Children Act,” she added.

A day after officials in his own administration admitted that some children in overcrowded migrant shelters have been denied hot meals or showers, Trump claimed last month that these migrants were “living far better” than in their native countries.