Tragedy in Ciudad Juarez is a Devastating Reminder that Restricting Access to Asylum is Cruel & Deadly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 

Media Contact: media@theyoungcenter.org 

In response to the news today that at least 39 people have died as a result of a fire at a migrant detention center in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the Young Center’s Executive Director, Gladis Molina Alt, issued the following statement:  

"Our hearts are with all the individuals and families impacted by the deadly fire today in Ciudad Juarez. This horrific and preventable tragedy is a devastating reminder that policies rooted in detaining people in abhorrent, inhumane conditions and punishing them for trying to seek safety in the U.S. will always continue a vicious cycle of pain, cruelty, and death.  

Currently, the Biden administration is trudging ahead with plans to implement an asylum ban that would deny adults and families with children an equal and fair opportunity to seek safety, fast-track deportations, and force many families traveling with their children to remain in dangerous conditions along the southern border or be forced to separate.  

Restrictions on asylum fundamentally violate our obligations as a country and the Biden administration’s promises to protect families and children seeking safety, and they undoubtedly result in tragedies, such as today’s. The Biden administration must immediately rescind its proposed asylum ban and ensure those seeking protection from danger, persecution, and violence can do so fairly, safely, and freely.” 

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The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is a non-profit organization that protects and advances the rights and best interests of immigrant children and advocates for an immigration system that treats children as children first. For press inquiries, please contact Anabel Mendoza at media@theyoungcenter.org