Dem to Trump: Stop ‘holding these kids hostage to build your medieval border wall’

Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) on Monday demanded President Trump stop “tearing apart families” by way of his controversial “zero tolerance” immigration policy.

“It is inhumane and heartless for the Trump administration to continue separating children as young as infants from their parents during immigration proceedings. This goes against all core American and religious values,” Soto said in a statement he shared on Twitter.

“The Republican-controlled government is committing a violation of human rights. Even the United Nations has condemned this policy calling it a violation of children’s rights and international law,” Soto continued. “While the President’s political move is to blame democrats [sic], the truth is, he has the power to reverse this policy immediately if he so wished.”

“Mr. President: stop tearing apart families and holding these kids hostage to build your medieval border wall,” Soto concluded.

{mosads}

Soto’s comments came hours after Trump doubled down on his immigration policy on Monday while also blaming Democrats for the measure and calling on Congress to change laws to end family separation.

The Trump administration has faced considerable backlash from both Republicans and Democrats since implementing the controversial immigration policy earlier this year that seeks prosecution for any adult crossing the border illegally. The measure has resulted in the separation of hundreds of migrant families.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the policy in April, saying the Justice Department would prosecute adults who illegally cross the border to the fullest extent of the law. Sessions argued the changes would help deter future immigrants from attempting the journey to the United States.