FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Saturday, August 12, 2023 

Media Contact: media@theyoungcenter.org 

Phoenix, Arizona— In response to the tragic news of a 3-year-old who died while being bused from Texas to Chicago under Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, Gladis Molina Alt, the Executive Director of the Young Center, issued the following statement:

“Our hearts are mourning for this child and their family. The true colors of Governor Abbott’s monstrous attacks on immigrants have been shown to us repeatedly, especially in recent weeks with reports of Texas troopers pushing children back into the Rio Grande, a pregnant mother suffering a miscarriage after being caught in barbed razor wire, fathers being separated from their children. And now this 3-year-old whose tragic and preventable death will be one of many if action is not taken immediately to shut down Gov. Abbott’s Operation Lone Star and ensure all families seeking safety have access to the health care, resources, and services they need.

Children deserve to grow up. They deserve to have childhoods full of love, care, and safety, not to be used as political pawns. The Young Center demands justice and accountability for this child and all the families, children, and adults who have and continue to be subjected to Gov. Abbott’s abuse.” 

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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