Arizona House Democrats requested Governor Doug Ducey and other state government officials to check the safety and well-being of children separated from their parents who tried to enter the U.S. illegally. They also demanded an investigation into possible abuse and neglect of these children.
On Thursday, Arizona House Democratic Leaders Rebecca Rios, Randall Friese and Charlene Fernandez sent a letter to Gov. Ducey, Department of Health Services (DHS) Director Cara Christ and Department of Child Safety (DCS) Director Gregory McKay.
In their letter, the Democratic lawmakers expressed serious concerns about the health and safety of these traumatized children.
According to them, they repeatedly tried to gain access to the Arizona facilities holding the children. However, they “have been stonewalled at every turn.”
In addition, the Arizona Democratic leaders emphasized that Gov. Ducey has responsibility and jurisdiction through the DHS and DCS to help these children.
“We respectfully request that the State and directors of DHS/DCS conduct wellness checks on every child being held in Office of Refugee Resettlement facilities in Arizona to ensure their safety and well-being and investigate any instances of abuse and neglect,” wrote the Arizona Democratic leaders.
