Child Protection at Borders
The Trauma and Injustice at the US-Mexico Border
For over 40 years, I’ve been a clinical social worker and a developmental psychologist. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with families facing incredibly difficult circumstances, such as poverty, mental illness, immigration, and refugees. The values instilled in me by my parents guided me to devote myself to the helping professions, always striving to do good for others.
In the past five years, my hope and optimism have faced a tremendous challenge. The treatment of families seeking asylum at the United States’ southern border has deeply disappointed me. These families, desperate parents accompanied by their children, come from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, countries plagued by some of the most brutal violence in the world. They have faced unimaginable horrors, including gang attacks, assault, rape, extortion, and threats. Sadly, they cannot turn to their local authorities for protection, as the police are often corrupt and ineffective.
When these families finally reach our border and ask for asylum, instead of finding safety and security, they are met with detention centers and treated as if they were common criminals. I remember vividly when I first encountered the children in these centers back in 2014. The sight of their suffering went against everything I believed in—justice, compassion, and the rule of law.
Let me share with you the stories of two boys who have stayed with me all these years. One of them was Danny, a seven and a half-year-old boy I met in a detention center in Karnes City, Texas. Danny, along with his mother and brother, had fled Honduras. His innocence and charm captured my heart instantly. Danny drew pictures for me, one of which depicted the gangs in his town, the Revos Locos. When I asked him why they were considered bad guys, he replied with a mixture of confusion and exasperation, “Don’t you see? They smoke cigarettes, drink beer, and carry guns.”
Danny shared how he witnessed the death of his uncle at the hands of these gangs and how he himself was brutally beaten. Fearing for their lives, his parents made the heart-wrenching decision for his mother and the boys to flee, leaving behind Danny’s amputee father who couldn’t navigate the treacherous journey. In detention, Danny had no word from his father, and it is likely that he fell victim to the same gangs they were fleeing.
Fernando was another boy I met in the same detention center. He too was around the same age as Danny. Fernando’s mother had led a hunger strike in the center, and as a result, they were placed in isolation. Witnessing his mother’s deterioration and paranoia, Fernando’s terror was palpable. He relied on her for everything, and the thought of losing her was unbearable.
These are just two stories among the thousands of children who have experienced detention. The trauma, stress, and adversity they endure have long-lasting effects on their developing brains and bodies. Prolonged exposure to such harsh conditions damages their neural wiring, weakens their stress response system, and hampers crucial cognitive and social abilities. Their immune systems become compromised, making them susceptible to infections and chronic illnesses, which can persist into adulthood.
Children in detention suffer from recurring nightmares, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders. They exhibit regressive behaviors, such as bedwetting, and express their distress in ways that reveal the depth of their trauma. It breaks my heart to witness the immense toll that detention takes on their well-being and potential.
As a mental health professional, my expertise lies in understanding children’s health and development. I firmly believe that we must redefine our approach to these families and replace fear and hostility with safety and compassion. Instead of prison-like detention centers, we should establish orderly asylum processing centers—campus-like communities where families can live together.
By repurposing existing structures such as old motels or army barracks, we can create safe spaces where children can run freely and families can rebuild some semblance of normality. These processing centers should provide comprehensive medical care, including screenings, treatments, and immunizations, along with mental health evaluations and support. Social workers can connect families to essential services, and teachers can ensure that children continue their education and receive the necessary support.
The success of refugee camps worldwide serves as an inspiration for how we can get it right. The United Nations has documented examples of camps that prioritize children’s health and development, where families live together in a supportive environment. These camps provide work permits, food vouchers, and opportunities for communal activities, allowing children to flourish and grow.
We possess the resources to create a humane and effective system. What we need is the will and determination to treat children with the dignity and respect they deserve. While opinions on immigration may differ, we can all agree that we should not subject children to lifelong trauma. Let us work towards preparing these children to become productive members of our society, both those who stay in the United States and those who eventually return to their home countries.
Looking back on the experiences of children like Danny and Fernando, I am inspired by their strength and toughness. Their stories fuel my hope and optimism as I continue my work. However, it is crucial that we act now to ensure that this moment in history does not define us as a nation that inflicted lifelong harm on innocent children. Let us stand together and demand a brighter, more compassionate future for those who seek asylum at our borders.
Stories of Desperation: Danny’s Journey
Let me share with you one of the stories that has stayed with me over the years. This is the story of Danny, a brave seven and a half-year-old boy I met back in 2014 in a detention center in Karnes City, Texas. Danny and his family had fled their home country of Honduras, seeking safety and a better future.
From the moment I met Danny, his infectious charm and innocence captured my heart. As we sat together, he eagerly drew pictures for me, one of which depicted the Revos Locos—the name given to the gangs in his town. I asked Danny what made these individuals bad guys, and with a mix of confusion and exasperation, he replied, “Don’t you see? They smoke cigarettes, drink beer, and carry guns.”
Through Danny’s drawings and words, the horrors he and his family faced became painfully clear. He recounted the day his uncle was killed by these very gangs, and the image of his uncle’s lifeless body, disfigured by bullets, haunted him. Danny was just six years old at the time, and the traumatic experience was etched into his young mind.
But the cruelty did not stop there. One of the Revos Locos viciously beat Danny, causing severe injuries. It was at this point that his parents made the heart-wrenching decision to leave their home. Danny’s father, a single-leg amputee who relied on a crutch, couldn’t navigate the treacherous journey with them. So, with a heavy heart, he urged his wife to take their boys and seek safety, leaving him behind to face an uncertain fate.
Danny’s journey was fraught with danger and uncertainty. Along the way, he witnessed unimaginable suffering and faced constant fear. Yet, his toughness and strength shone through even in the face of such adversity. It was a testament to the courage that resides within children, their ability to adapt and endure despite the harshest circumstances.
In detention, Danny longed for news of his father, but no word came. It is likely that his father, in his attempt to escape the violence they had fled, fell victim to the very gangs they were trying to escape. The loss and uncertainty weighed heavily on Danny’s young shoulders, but he soldiered on, as children often do, clinging to hope in the midst of despair.
Danny’s story is not an isolated incident. It is a painful reflection of the experiences endured by countless children who have sought refuge at the United States’ southern border. Their toughness and courage in the face of unimaginable hardships serve as a reminder of the strength that lies within each child.
As I reflect on Danny’s journey and the countless others like his, I am reminded of the urgent need to protect and support these vulnerable children. They deserve our compassion, understanding, and a chance to rebuild their lives in a safe and caring environment. Their dreams and aspirations should not be crushed by the harsh realities they have faced.
The stories of children like Danny are a powerful call to action. We must advocate for a system that upholds the principles of justice, empathy, and humanity. Together, we can create a world where children are no longer subjected to the horrors of violence, but instead are given the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
Stories of Desperation: Fernando’s Struggle
Allow me to share another poignant story that has left a lasting impact on me. This is the story of Fernando, a young boy whom I met during my time at a detention center. Fernando’s journey, filled with desperation and toughness, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by children seeking asylum.
When I first encountered Fernando, he was around the same age as Danny, whom I previously shared a story about. Fernando’s mother had led a hunger strike among the mothers in the detention center, seeking better conditions and treatment. As a result, both Fernando and his mother were placed in isolation, cut off from the support and solidarity of others.
During our conversations, Fernando’s mother burst into the small office, her fear and anxiety palpable. She frantically searched for hidden microphones and cameras, convinced that their conversations were being monitored. The strain of their circumstances had taken a toll on her mental well-being, and in that moment, I saw the weight of responsibility in Fernando’s young eyes.
As I looked into his eyes, I witnessed a profound sense of fear and uncertainty. Fernando relied on his mother for everything, and the thought of losing her to the oppressive forces around them was unimaginable. They were each other’s only source of comfort and support, navigating this treacherous journey together.
Their struggle epitomized the vulnerability faced by children like Fernando. Forced to confront a world filled with hostility and uncertainty, their toughness was tested at every turn. Yet, even amidst the darkest moments, Fernando’s spirit endured. He clung to the hope that his mother would find the strength to persevere, to protect him from the harsh realities they faced.
Fernando’s story is not an isolated one. There are countless children who have experienced similar hardships and carried the weight of unimaginable circumstances. Their struggles highlight the urgent need for compassion and support for these young souls who have already faced more than anyone should ever endure.
As we hear stories like Fernando’s, it is essential that we come together as a society to advocate for change. We must demand a system that values the well-being of these children, offering them a safe haven where they can heal, grow, and thrive. By providing them with the care and support they deserve, we can help these young lives reclaim their childhoods and care their hopes and dreams for a brighter future.
Fernando’s toughness and determination serve as an inspiration. His story reminds us that behind the statistics and policy debates, there are real children—innocent lives longing for safety, stability, and a chance to build a better tomorrow. Let us not turn a blind eye to their struggles but instead work together to create a world where every child’s rights are protected, where they are no longer confined by the boundaries of fear and uncertainty, but free to hug their full potential.
The Devastating Impact of Detention on Children
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of the treatment of families seeking asylum at the United States’ southern border is the profound impact it has on the lives of innocent children. As a clinical social worker and developmental psychologist, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of detention on these young souls.
Under prolonged and intense stress, trauma, and adversity, the developing brains of children are harmed, plain and simple. The very wiring and architecture of their brains suffer irreversible damage. The impact of detention reaches far beyond the confines of the detention centers, affecting the child’s natural stress response system and weakening their protective factors.
Regions of the brain associated with cognition, intellectual abilities, judgment, trust, self-regulation, and social interaction bear the brunt of this harm, sometimes permanently. These impairments hinder children’s future prospects, potentially limiting their abilities to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
It is essential to recognize that the trauma experienced by children in detention goes beyond psychological and emotional distress. Their physical health is also profoundly affected. Under stress, the child’s immune system becomes suppressed, leaving them susceptible to infections and a range of chronic illnesses that can persist into adulthood. Conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases may haunt them throughout their lives, shortening their lifespan and undermining their overall well-being.
Children held in detention centers often exhibit a range of distressing symptoms indicative of the trauma they have endured. Recurrent and disturbing nightmares, night terrors, depression, anxiety, dissociative reactions, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts are unfortunately common. Their behavior may regress, as seen in cases where children who were previously continent begin bedwetting again. These young souls are left grappling with the weight of their experiences, their innocence stripped away by circumstances beyond their control.
I recall the story of an eleven-year-old boy who, after years of maintaining continence, started wetting his bed again—a manifestation of the immense stress he was subjected to in detention. Additionally, I remember an eight-year-old girl who, overwhelmed by the pressure, insisted on being breastfed by her mother. These distressing behaviors underscore the profound toll that detention takes on children’s mental and emotional well-being.
The harrowing reality is that detention perpetuates a cycle of trauma, stress, and adversity that exacts a heavy toll on these vulnerable young lives. The repercussions extend far beyond their time in detention, leaving lasting scars on their physical health, mental well-being, and overall development.
As a mental health professional, it is my duty to emphasize the urgency of addressing this issue with compassion and urgency. We must reframe our practices and replace fear and hostility with safety and compassion. Detention centers should be transformed into orderly asylum processing centers—places that foster a sense of community, where families can live together.
These processing centers should offer comprehensive medical care, including screenings, treatments, and immunizations. Mental health evaluations and support must be provided by trained social workers. Educational opportunities should be available, allowing children to continue their learning and prepare for their future.
We have witnessed successful models in refugee camps around the world that prioritize the health and development of children. By drawing inspiration from these examples, we can create a system that treats children with the dignity and respect they deserve. It is within our reach to provide a caring environment that helps heal the wounds inflicted by trauma and adversity.
We have the resources and capabilities to make a difference. What we need is the collective will and determination to advocate for change. Let us unite as a society and demand a system that protects the well-being of these vulnerable children. Together, we can pave the way for a future where every child is given the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive—where their innate toughness and potential can flourish, unburdened by the trauma of detention.
Transforming Detention Centers into Compassionate Processing Centers
When we consider the treatment of families seeking asylum at the United States’ southern border, it becomes evident that change is not only necessary but imperative. As we strive for a more humane approach, one solution that emerges is the transformation of detention centers into compassionate processing centers—a paradigm shift that prioritizes safety, dignity, and well-being.
Instead of prison-like environments with barbed wire and cages, we can create spaces that resemble orderly asylum processing centers. These centers should be designed as campus-like communities where families can live together, offering a sense of normalcy and safety that is essential for healing and growth.
To make this vision a reality, existing structures such as old motels or repurposed army barracks can be refurbished and adapted. These spaces would allow families to live in family units, fostering a sense of stability and support. Imagine children running freely, playing, and rediscovering their innocence within the confines of these processing centers.
Comprehensive healthcare is a vital component of compassionate processing centers. Pediatricians, family doctors, dentists, and nurses can be present to provide essential medical care. Through screenings, examinations, treatments, and immunizations, the physical well-being of these children can be safeguarded. Crucially, the records of these medical interventions should follow the children to their next healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care and addressing their long-term health needs.
In addition to physical health, the mental well-being of these children must be prioritized. Trained social workers can conduct mental health evaluations, identifying those in need of support and therapeutic interventions. By addressing the psychological scars caused by trauma, these professionals can help children heal and regain a sense of normalcy. Moreover, these social workers can facilitate connections to vital services, ensuring that families receive the support they need as they navigate the complexities of their circumstances.
Education is another fundamental aspect that should be incorporated into compassionate processing centers. Teachers can provide instruction, testing, and documentation of children’s learning progress. By ensuring access to education, we enable these children with the tools they need to build a brighter future. The records of their educational achievements can then accompany them to their next educational institution, easing a seamless transition and continuity in their academic journey.
This transformation is not an impossible dream. Refugee camps worldwide have already shown us that compassionate approaches are not only feasible but also effective. The United Nations has documented numerous examples of camps that prioritize the health and development of children. In these camps, families live in family units and clusters, fostering a sense of community and support. Parents are granted work permits, enabling them to earn a living and contribute to their new environment. Children attend school, gaining knowledge and skills that will serve them in their future endeavors.
It is essential to acknowledge that the realization of compassionate processing centers requires commitment, resources, and a collective will. But we must remember that we have the means to make this vision a reality. We have the knowledge, expertise, and capacity to create an environment where children are not seen as threats but as individuals deserving of compassion, care, and opportunities.
As we advocate for change, let us remember the stories of children like Danny and Fernando, who have endured unimaginable hardships. Their toughness and strength are a testament to the indomitable spirit of young souls. By transforming detention centers into compassionate processing centers, we can ensure that children are provided with the environment and support they need to heal, thrive, and reclaim their childhoods.
Together, let us strive for a system that reflects our shared humanity—one that hugs compassion, empathy, and justice. By doing so, we can create a brighter future, not only for the children seeking asylum but for all of us, as we stand united in our commitment to protect the well-being and dignity of every individual.
Learning from Successful Refugee Camps Worldwide
In our quest to create a more compassionate and effective system for families seeking asylum, we can draw valuable lessons from successful refugee camps around the world. These camps have demonstrated that there are viable alternatives to the current approach, offering inspiration and guidance as we work towards a more humane solution.
The United Nations has documented reports on refugee camps that prioritize the health and development of children, setting an example for us all. These camps have adopted models that provide valuable insights into creating environments that protect and care the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
In these camps, families live together in family units and clusters, fostering a sense of community and support. This community-oriented approach provides a foundation for stability and toughness. It creates a space where families can draw strength from one another and rebuild their lives amidst the challenges they face.
Recognizing the importance of self-sufficiency, these camps grant work permits to parents. This enables them to earn a living and contribute to their newfound community, enabling them with a sense of dignity and purpose. By fostering economic opportunities, we can help families regain their independence and rebuild their lives.
Education is a crucial aspect of these successful camps. Children attend school regularly, where they learn, grow, and engage with their peers. This access to education equips them with essential knowledge and skills that will serve them well in the future. It gives them hope and the tools to shape their own destinies, regardless of the challenges they have faced.
Caring physical and mental well-being is another critical aspect of these camps. Medical professionals, including pediatricians, family doctors, dentists, and nurses, are present to provide comprehensive healthcare services. From screenings and examinations to treatments and immunizations, these professionals ensure that children’s physical health needs are met. Simultaneously, social workers conduct mental health evaluations and provide necessary therapeutic interventions, addressing the emotional scars caused by trauma and adversity.
Furthermore, these camps promote communal activities that contribute to the overall well-being of individuals. Mothers are brought together to cook healthy meals for the children, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation. Children are given opportunities to engage in recreational activities, play, and explore, essential components of their development and growth.
Learning from these successful models, we can envision a system that mirrors their achievements. By transforming detention centers into compassionate processing centers, we can provide an environment that prioritizes safety, dignity, and well-being. We have the resources and knowledge to create spaces where families can live together, where children can learn, and where healthcare professionals can address their physical and mental health needs.
Of course, implementing such changes requires collective will and determination. It demands that we prioritize the well-being and rights of individuals seeking asylum. It calls for a fundamental shift in how we approach this complex issue, guided by compassion, empathy, and a commitment to justice.
As we learn from successful refugee camps worldwide, let us hug the lessons they offer and work towards a system that honors the innate toughness and potential of every child. Together, we can create a future where families are treated with compassion and dignity, where their dreams can flourish, and where hope is restored.
Treating Children with Dignity: A Call to Action
As we grapple with the complexities of immigration and the treatment of families seeking asylum, there is one undeniable truth that should unite us all: children should be treated with dignity and respect. Regardless of our differing views on immigration policies, we can find common ground in our shared commitment to the well-being of these young souls.
The stories of children like Danny and Fernando, who have experienced unimaginable hardships, compel us to take action. Their toughness and strength serve as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit that resides within each child. It is our moral duty to ensure that they are protected, cared, and given the opportunity to thrive.
We must reframe our practices and replace fear and hostility with safety and compassion. The transformation of detention centers into compassionate processing centers represents a tangible step forward. By creating spaces that resemble communities rather than prisons, we can foster an environment conducive to healing, growth, and the restoration of hope.
Comprehensive medical care, including physical and mental health services, must be at the core of these compassionate processing centers. Pediatricians, family doctors, dentists, nurses, and social workers can work together to address the diverse needs of these children. Through screenings, treatments, and evaluations, we can ensure that their physical and emotional well-being is prioritized.
Education should not be overlooked but rather integrated into the fabric of these processing centers. Teachers play a vital role in equipping children with the knowledge and skills they need to build a brighter future. By documenting their learning progress and easing smooth transitions to future educational institutions, we can provide stability and continuity in their educational journey.
The success of refugee camps worldwide demonstrates that this vision is attainable. These camps offer valuable insights into creating environments that protect and care the well-being of children and families. By drawing inspiration from their models, we can learn from their experiences and implement best practices within our own systems.
It is incumbent upon us, as a society, to advocate for change. We have the resources, knowledge, and capacity to create a system that upholds the rights and dignity of these vulnerable children. Let us come together, irrespective of political affiliations, and demand a more compassionate approach—one that recognizes the humanity and inherent worth of each child.
By treating children with dignity, we are not only shaping their lives but also shaping our collective future. These young souls have the potential to become productive, engaged members of our society, contributing their unique perspectives and talents. Furthermore, those who may eventually return to their home countries can serve as teachers, merchants, and leaders, helping to rebuild and strengthen their communities.
Let us be remembered as a generation that stood up for what is right, a generation that refused to inflict lifelong trauma on innocent children. Together, we can create a legacy of compassion, empathy, and justice—one that reflects the very best of our shared humanity.
The time for action is now. Let us unite in our commitment to treat children with the dignity and respect they deserve. Together, we can forge a brighter future, where the well-being of every child is protected, and where compassion triumphs over adversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the treatment of children at the United States-Mexico border demands our attention, compassion, and action. Their stories of desperation and toughness remind us of the urgent need to transform the current system into one that prioritizes their well-being, dignity, and rights.
We have witnessed the devastating impact of detention on children—how it harms their developing brains, weakens their immune systems, and leaves lasting scars on their physical and mental health. The trauma they endure in these detention centers reverberates long after they leave, hindering their potential and robbing them of a fair chance at a better future.
However, there is hope. By learning from successful models in refugee camps around the world, we can create compassionate processing centers that provide a supportive and caring environment for children and families seeking asylum. These centers can offer comprehensive healthcare, education, and community-building activities, promoting healing, growth, and a sense of normalcy.
It is crucial that we recognize the shared responsibility we hold as a society. Regardless of our political differences, we can unite around the fundamental belief that children should be treated with dignity and respect. By advocating for change, we can ensure that their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
The time for action is now. We must demand a more compassionate approach, guided by empathy, compassion, and justice. Together, we can build a future where the trauma inflicted on children in detention becomes a thing of the past. We can create a society that values the well-being of every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Let us stand together as a force for change, refusing to look back on this moment in history with regret. Instead, let us strive for a future where compassion triumphs over adversity and where every child is given the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. Together, we can create a world that treats children with the dignity they deserve and paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
