Federal, state and local lawmakers across Western New York are denouncing a Trump administration practice of detaining individuals and families in cells at the U.S.-Canada border for as long as two weeks.
The region’s federal lawmakers are demanding answers on the new practice.
“Our office is looking into these disturbing allegations,” a spokesperson for Sen. Chuck Schumer said in a statement to Investigative Post, noting his office is also seeking answers on ICE’s recent arrest of a mother and children in Sackets Harbor.
“There is no excuse for the cruel or inhumane treatment of children & families. [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] and [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] should provide answers immediately.”
Rep. Tim Kennedy, too, said he has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for answers about the practice.
“Reports of unexplained detentions at Western New York’s ports of entry are deeply disturbing,” Kennedy said in a statement. “While border safety and enforcement are critical to our national security, it is essential that due process is respected and transparency is provided to the public.”
A spokesperson for Rep. Nick Langworthy declined to comment but noted his office, too, is seeking answers from the Trump administration.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, called the detentions “attacks.”
“Governor Hochul has been clear from the beginning: she believes violent criminals and gang members should be deported, but does not support any attacks on children and families,” Deputy Press Secretary Jess D’Amelia said.
Investigative Post on Tuesday reported that CBP officers at the Peace, Rainbow and Lewiston-Queenston bridges had detained both individuals and families in cells for days or weeks at a time on multiple occasions, beginning in February. Advocates and other sources said under past presidential administrations, such detentions would last no longer than 48 hours and said holding people — including whole families and young children — was new under Trump.
An Investigative Post reporter personally witnessed the detention of one family, which included children. That family has since been released and is now involved with ICE.
CBP, meanwhile, acknowledged on Thursday for the first time that the detentions are happening. Those detained, a spokesperson said, are either “illegal aliens,” were found to have violated a law, or “possess a warrant from a law enforcement agency.” Those detained can remain in CBP custody for hours or until they can be transferred to ICE or another law enforcement agency.
“In certain circumstances individuals must remain in CBP custody while waiting for available space at another federal detention facility,” the spokesperson said.
Even if a person is undocumented, said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, mothers and children should not be detained at the border. He called the detentions “troubling.”
“These individuals, even if undocumented, do have rights, including the right to legal counsel,” he said in a statement. “We should not be detaining women and children at the border. I strongly urge CBP to bring transparency, accountability and sanity back to this process.”
Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon echoed those concerns, saying he was “deeply troubled.” He noted that the city in recent years has been buoyed by the arrival of thousands of refugees and immigrants.
“I find these reports alarming and unacceptable,” Scanlon said. “As a father of three young children, the notion that children and their families are being detained for up to two weeks is disturbing and goes against our values and raises serious human rights concerns.”
Similarly, Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino called the detentions “shocking.” He said he’s directed city police to learn what they can about the detentions from federal law enforcement.
“It’s outrageous that we would do that, especially as it relates to families and children,” he told Investigative Post. “This whole thing is really rather shocking.”
State Sen. Sean Ryan, who is running for Buffalo mayor, aimed his ire at the Trump administration.
“This disturbing new practice doesn’t make anyone safer,” he said. “It further deteriorates our relationship with our neighbors in Canada and it redirects resources away from fighting crime. The cruelty and incompetence demonstrated by this administration is stunning.”
Assemblymember Patrick Burke liked the detentions to the family separation policy at the southern border during Trump’s first term. He said the administration ought to be held accountable.
“With an administration unafraid to ignore federal court orders and Congressional Republicans unwilling to stand up or speak out against un-American and immoral actions, it’s on all of us to use any power we have to hold them to account,” Burke said in a statement.
For more on this this story, visit investigativepost.org.