Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said he was “disturbed” by reports that the Obama administration plans deportation raids in January.
“I am very disturbed by reports that the government may commence raids to deport families who have fled here to escape violence in Central America,” Sanders said in an emailed statement. “As we spend time with our families this holiday season, we who are parents should ask ourselves what we would do if our children faced the danger and violence these children do? How far would we go to protect them?
He continued, “Our nation has always been a beacon of hope, a refuge for the oppressed. We cannot turn our backs on that essential element of who we are as a nation. We need to take steps to protect children and families seeking refuge here, not cast them out.”
On Wednesday night, the Washington Post reported that, the Department of Homeland Security is planning a series of raids targeted at hundreds of people previously ordered removed from the U.S. who have managed to escape deportation.
Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley also condemned the move.
“DHS’ Christmas Eve announcement that they are planning to launch mass holiday raids and deport families who risked their lives to flee violence in Central America is completely at odds with our character as a nation,” his statement read. “We must put an end to these mindless deportations.”
