Rep. Jimmy Panetta cites lack of “forward thinking” for family separation problems

Central Coast Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D, CA-20) was not surprised the federal government failed to meet the June 10th deadline for reuniting separated children under five-years-old.

“(President Trump’s) administration, unfortunately, will not be able to meet that burden because of the policy they put forward without any forward thinking.”

This stems from the administration’s “zero tolerance” police at the United States’ southern border, which led to more than two-thousand children being separated from their parents – a move President Trump has since changed.

The U.S. Department of Justice said that by Tuesday night, about half, 54 of the 102 children under five, will be reunited with their families, but more time is needed for the rest.

“This is a policy that affected everyone in this country and that’s exactly why you saw Republicans and Democrats coming together to speak out against it. That’s exactly why you saw the administration go back on its word and change this policy.”

Panetta is one of five co-authors on the House’s “Keep Families Together Act,” which lays out directives for federal government agencies to not separate children, and have a plan in place in cases these separations happen.

“Anytime you have that sort of traumatic impact of being separated from your family members at that young age, there’s going to be a lasting impact. The least we can do is make sure they are reunited with their parents.”