U.S. Representative Grijalva Unhappy After Tour Of Child Migrant Shelter In Tucson

Published: Monday, July 9, 2018 - 3:00pm
Updated: Monday, July 9, 2018 - 4:22pm
Audio icon Download mp3 (10 MB)

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva visited the Southwest Key Programs shelter in Tucson Friday. The shelter currently houses 79 children separated from their families at the border, among other unaccompanied minors in federal custody.

Grijalva said he told officials he was unhappy about the ongoing secrecy around shelter operations, saying it took a month before his request to visit was granted.

The shelter was able to reunite two children with their parents last week, but Grijalva said he was told by shelter employees they are worried they won’t be able to reunite migrant families within the court-ordered 30 days.

Grijalva also said he was unhappy with logistical problems, record keeping and lingering unanswered questions throughout this process.

To get a broader overview of the reunification process, The Show was joined by John Sepulvado, host of the California Report on KQED. He's reported on the family separations, as well as the June 26 Federal District Court order from San Diego to reunify the children and the government response since.

The Show