Share this @internewscast.com

SAN DIEGO — A federal judge on Friday prohibited the separation of families at the border for purposes of deterring immigration for eight years, preemptively blocking resumption of a lightning-rod, Trump-era policy that the former president hasn’t ruled out if voters return him to the White House next year.

The separation of thousands of families “represents one of the most shameful chapters in the history of our country,” U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw said moments before approving a settlement between the Justice Department and families represented by the American Civil Liberties Union that ended a legal challenge nearly seven years after it was filed.

Sabraw, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, ordered an end to separations in June 2018, six days after then-President Donald Trump halted them on his own amid intense international backlash. The judge also ordered that the government reunite children with their parents within 30 days, setting off a mad scramble because government databases weren’t linked. Children had been dispersed to shelters across the country that didn’t know who their parents were or how to find them.

As he reminisced and congratulated lawyers on both sides, the judge recalled a sense of horror over initial allegations and how subsequent disclosures left him increasingly dismayed over how the policy was carried out in 2017 and 2018. He read from an earlier order in which he said the practice was “brutal, offensive and fails to comply with traditional notions of fair play and decency.”

Sabraw referred to another court filing in 2018 that described how many parents were deported without knowing where their children were. “Simply cruel,” he said.

The government and volunteers have yet to locate 68 children who were separated under the policy to determine if they are safe and reunited with family or loved ones, according to the ACLU. Sabraw said those children who are unaccounted for was “always my greatest fear and concern.”

Under the settlement, the type of “zero-tolerance” policy under which the Trump administration separated more than 5,000 children from parents who were arrested for illegally entering the country would be prohibited until December 2031.

Children may still be separated but under limited circumstances, as has been the case for years. They include if the child is believed to be abused, if the parent is convicted of serious crimes or if there are doubts that the adult is the parent.

Families that were separated may be eligible for other benefits — legal status for up to three years on humanitarian parole; reunification in the United States at government expense; one year of housing; three years of counseling; legal aid in immigration court. But the settlement doesn’t pay families any money. In 2021, the Biden administration considered compensating parents and children hundreds of thousands of dollars each, but talks stalled.

As he seeks to return to the White House in next year’s elections, Trump has been noncommittal whether he would try to resume family separations. He defended the results in an interview with Univision last month, claiming without evidence that it “stopped people from coming by the hundreds of thousands.”

“When you hear that you’re going to be separated from your family, you don’t come. When you think you’re going to come into the United States with your family, you come,” Trump said.

The Department of Homeland Security referred Friday to an earlier statement by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that the settlement reflects efforts to address a “cruel and inhumane policy, and our steadfast adherence to our nation’s most dearly held values.”

ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt told reporters that the judge’s comments Friday “said it all. This was a tragic episode in our country’s history.”

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to the ruling Friday.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Israel’s army will 'advance readiness' for first phase of Trump plan to release hostages

Israel Military to “Boost Preparedness” for Initial Stage of Trump’s Hostage Release Plan

Israel’s military announced Saturday it will “advance readiness for the implementation of…
At America's national parks in the Trump era, the arc of history bends toward revisionism

How America’s National Parks Are Being Redefined in the Trump Era

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. (AP) — At the turbulent meeting point of rivers,…
Nearly 3.9 million more pounds of corn dogs recalled over contamination issue

Additional 3.9 Million Pounds of Corn Dogs Recalled Due to Contamination Concerns

The original recall, issued last week, included nearly 60 million pounds of…
Trump announces Israel agrees to Gaza 'initial withdrawal line' as '3,000 year catastrophe' nears end

Trump Reports Israel’s Agreement to Establish “Initial Withdrawal Line” in Gaza as “3,000-Year Conflict” Approaches Resolution

President Donald Trump on Saturday announced Israel has agreed to the “initial…
Jacksonville Heart Walk raises over $1.1M for heart health

Jacksonville Heart Walk Generates More Than $1.1 Million for Cardiac Wellness

Thousands gathered at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds for the annual event, raising over…
Trial begins for men accused in 13-year-old Prince Holland's murder

Court Proceedings Start for Suspects in the Murder Case of 13-Year-Old Prince Holland

Opening statements in the trial of two men accused of killing 13-year-old…
Man dies from gunshot wounds after Jacksonville shooting

Jacksonville Shooting: Man Fatally Injured by Gunshots

Detectives with the JSO Homicide Unit and the Crime Scene Unit are…
Trump's 'war-ravaged Portland' National Guard deployment halted by federal judge over authority concerns

Federal Judge Stops National Guard Deployment in Portland, Challenging Trump’s Authority Claims

On Saturday, a U.S. District Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO)…
Brazil methanol poisonings top 120 cases after deadly tainted liquor fuels nationwide panic

Over 120 Poisoning Cases in Brazil Due to Contaminated Liquor, Sparking Nationwide Alarm

Brazil’s Health Ministry is advising people to refrain from consuming cocktails after…
Newly released 911 transcripts capture chaos, fear during Minneapolis church shooting: ‘Stay down, stay quiet'

Recently Published 911 Transcripts Reveal Panic and Fear During Minneapolis Church Shooting: ‘Stay Down, Stay Quiet’

The recently unveiled 911 transcripts shed light on the panic and distress…
Lauren Graham receives Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Lauren Graham Honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The show celebrates its 25th anniversary Sunday. LOS ANGELES — A mini…
Trump administration offers teen migrants $2,500 to leave US voluntarily: reports

Reports: Teen Migrants Offered $2,500 to Voluntarily Leave US by Trump Administration

The Trump administration is currently offering teen migrants a $2,500 stipend to…