She built her life here. Now she's spending Mother's Day in Dilley.

 

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Right now, mothers are locked with their children in Dilley—an ICE detention facility in Texas that has become infamous for its inhumane conditions. Some have been there for weeks, others for months.  I’m an attorney at Children’s Rights, and co-counsel in the landmark federal Flores case, which established and defends the legal rights of immigrant children in detention. We are one of the few organizations allowed to meet directly with the families held at Dilley. I've met babies. Toddlers. Kids who have spent 20% of their lives at Dilley. And mothers doing what mothers do—caring for their children. This Mother's Day, we’re taking a moment to send them a message: you are not alone. Over 5,600 people have been held at Dilley. Over half are children. Many are moms who were raising their kids in our neighborhoods, doing everything right. Now they are imprisoned with their children, spending Mother's Day behind a high metal fence. Their stories stay with me. A two-year-old with infected gums went without care for 23 days. A teenage girl attempted suicide. Food that is contaminated and water that makes children sick. One child told us, "Every day that I remain here is destroying my hope for my life." Now through May 10, we're asking you to send a message. A card, a letter, a poem, a drawing. Something that says: you are not forgotten. We'll make sure your words reach them. Leecia Welch Chief Legal Counsel Children's Rights Children’s Rights is a national advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of children living in or impacted by America’s child welfare, juvenile legal, immigration, education, and healthcare systems. We use civil rights impact litigation, advocacy and policy expertise, and public education to hold governments accountable for keeping kids safe and healthy. Our work centers on creating lasting systemic change that will advance the rights of children for generations. For more information, please visit childrensrights.org. Children’s Rights 88 Pine Street, Suite 800 New York, NY 10005

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