(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) joined Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and 37 additional Members of Congress in sending a letter to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan to demand answers on the appalling treatment of children at the border, including the deprivation of menstrual hygiene products for detained girls.

 

The letter comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 19 states and the District of Columbia about the Department of Homeland Security’s treatment of migrant children in its custody. The lawsuit found that migrant children were living in “appalling” conditions and included testimonials from girls who described the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, and the unsanitary conditions they have had to endure.

 

“The Trump administration’s daily injustices against migrant families and children seeking refuge is monstrous and must end,” said Meng. “Our system must be compassionate and humane. Children left in cages and in solitude, having food thrown at them, and girls with periods being left to bleed through their clothes and denied showers for days on end – such abhorrent treatment of children is morally reprehensible. I await the Secretary’s answers to my questions and demand the administration to immediately offer the basic necessities children and families need, including menstrual hygiene products.”

 

Earlier this year, Meng introduced the Menstrual Equity For All Act which would – among other things – ensure that all Department of Homeland Security detained individuals have full and free access to menstrual products.

 

The text of Meng’s letter, which includes signatures from 38 other Members of Congress including House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY), is below and a copy of the correspondence can be viewed here.