In response to Donald Trump’s recent comments about his family separation policy, People For the American Way Political Director Lizet Ocampo issued the following statement.

“Despite weeks of mounting criticism from Americans all across the political spectrum, the Trump administration isn’t just continuing to target, apprehend and detain thousands of children and families at the border—they are actually doubling down on Trump’s lie that Democrats are somehow to blame. The truth is that Trump’s zero-tolerance policy is ripping families apart, and he has the power to stop this nightmare. Instead, he’s making clear that this is just the latest in a long line of draconian measures designed to explicitly promote and spread a racist agenda.

“As Trump continues to take every opportunity to attack immigrants and Latino communities, we must be vigilant and keep up the pressure for fair immigration legislation, not one based on a nativist agenda like the bills on the floor this week. Our country was built on welcoming refugees fleeing violence and turmoil; instead, immigrant children are being forcibly separated from their families. We condemn these cruel and inhumane policies, and call upon the Trump administration to end them immediately. And we urge this administration and their allies in Congress to set aside their divisive rhetoric and move towards a humane policy that actually reflects our American values.”

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.

###