Migrant youth under the age of twelve who are separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border — many of who are babies and toddlers — are now being sent to so-called “tender age” shelters in Southern Texas. These facilities, however, are not outfitted or prepared to act as proper childcare centers, so officials are scrambling to hire more caregivers. Since there is no consensus about what age is too young to separate a child from their parents, Customs and Border Protection agents are using their discretion, separating children so young that they’re not yet verbal. We talk with AP Reporter Martha Mendoza about the story.
Guests:
Martha Mendoza, National Writer, Associated Press