The Round-Up Threat: All Talk?
For several years, the Trump Administration has been touting a “zero-tolerance” policy towards illegal immigration. In 2018, this policy led to a dramatic increase in the separation of migrant families at the US-Mexico border. The policy was announced in April of that year, and by June, thousands of children had been taken from their parents, sparking widespread outrage and protest.
The policy was quickly condemned by Democrats, international leaders, and human rights organizations. Critics argued that it was inhumane, ineffective, and had disastrous consequences for the individuals involved. The United Nations even called the policy a “violation of children’s rights.”
Despite this backlash, the Trump Administration maintained that the policy was necessary to deter further migration. However, the numbers say otherwise. In the three months following the announcement, the number of family arrivals at the border actually increased by 50%.
Further, the policy led to the creation of a bureaucratic nightmare, with officials and judges struggling to navigate the complex process of reuniting families. It has also led to allegations of human rights abuses, as migrant children were left unaccompanied and without proper care.
Despite the apparent failure of the policy to achieve its stated goals, the Trump Administration has maintained that it will continue to pursue a “zero-tolerance” approach. Meanwhile, Democrats and many advocacy groups are pushing for the repeal of the policy, arguing that it is nothing more than a cruel attempt to score political points.
