In a bold declaration, Kamala Harris has reiterated her pledge to close all privately-run immigration detention centers on her first day in office if elected president. This promise, initially made during her 2019 presidential campaign, has resurfaced and is now a focal point of criticism and debate.
At a 2019 town hall in Iowa City, Harris responded emphatically to a question about whether she would commit to closing immigration detention centers. “Absolutely, on day one,” she affirmed. Her stance stemmed from her strong opposition to the conditions and practices within these facilities, particularly the detainment of children, which she and many others have denounced as inhumane.
Here is Kamala Harris saying in 2019 that if she is elected, she would shut down for-profit private detention centers. Expressing outrage at the kids and cages that were put there by Barack Obama.
Since Harris/Biden took office, they have lost 85,000 unaccompanied minors… pic.twitter.com/gjVm6CdQ8e
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) July 24, 2024
This position has drawn sharp criticism, especially from conservative commentators and political opponents who argue that such a move would exacerbate the already critical border crisis. Critics assert that closing these centers without a viable alternative could lead to increased public safety risks and further complicate the immigration system. They point to the crucial role these detention centers play in holding noncitizens who are deemed public safety or flight risks during the custody determination process.
Senator Ted Cruz recently shared a video of Harris’s 2019 statement, urging the public to “believe her” when she makes such promises. He highlighted the significant number of migrants currently held in these facilities, many of whom have criminal records or pending charges. As of July 2024, more than 37,000 migrants were detained across 18 private detention centers, with over 10,000 possessing criminal records.
For 4 years, we heard Democrats go on and on about “kids in cages.”
Democrats don’t want to acknowledge that it was Barack Obama who built those cages.
Now, Joe Biden is building bigger cages. pic.twitter.com/fhQn4DoZyo
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) April 1, 2021
The controversy is further fueled by the fact that the infamous “kids in cages” images, often used to criticize the Trump administration, originated during President Obama’s tenure. Harris’s critics argue that her promise to shut down detention centers is contradictory to her recent efforts to position herself as a candidate committed to border security.
Harris’s stance appears inconsistent with her current push for a secure border. The practicality and implications of releasing detainees into the public, potentially without proper oversight or resources should be a cause of concern.
NEW: Kamala Harris vows to close detention centers that hold illegal immigrants "on day one" if she becomes president.
The statement completely contradicts Harris' recent push to appear as a candidate who wants a secure border.
Question: "When you become president, would you be… pic.twitter.com/73rKlNDaxb
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 12, 2024
The debate over Harris’s pledge underscores broader concerns about the U.S. immigration system and its handling of asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Proponents of her stance argue that the current detention practices are inhumane and ineffective, calling for more humane and just immigration policies. They advocate for the closure of for-profit detention centers, which they argue prioritize profit over the welfare of detainees.
As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s position on this issue will likely continue to be a point of contention, reflecting the deep divisions in the U.S. over immigration policy. The broader implications of her pledge highlight the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding immigration reform and the humane treatment of migrants.
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