Contact: Elizabeth Shimek, 608-237-9166
MADISON, WI – State Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s policy of separating immigrant families at the border and his intention to withdraw from the U.N. Human Rights Council:
“In recent weeks, the American people have heard heart wrenching stories of families separated at the border in thousands of acts of unconscionable cruelty. We have seen photos of children ripped from their parents and kept in detention facilities. We cannot sit idly by as families are torn apart.”
On Monday, the U.N. Human Rights Council rebuked President Trump for separating thousands of children seeking asylum at our borders from their parents. In response, news outlets report the president will withdraw the US entirely from the council.
“President Trump has shown that he is willing to violate our most fundamental, closely held beliefs about human rights,” Neubauer said. “We have seen extreme measures against Muslims, immigrants, asylum seekers, migrant families, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and so many other vulnerable groups in our country. Trump’s planned withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council makes it perfectly clear that he has no intention of respecting human rights and international law.
“Governor Walker is complicit in these abuses. In sending Wisconsin National Guard troops to the border in Arizona, he has chosen the politics of hate and fear over our human rights, compassion, and dignity. Rather than standing up for the most vulnerable in our country, he is sending our troops to traumatize children and tear apart families at the border. Our servicemen and women deserve better. We deserve better.
“I’m calling on President Trump to end this unconscionable policy and to maintain the U.S.’s membership within the U.N. Human Rights Council. I urge Governor Walker and Wisconsin Republicans to stand up for human rights and focus on humane, comprehensive immigration reform.
“And finally, I’m asking my fellow Wisconsinites to take action. Call, tweet, and write to your national representatives, to Governor Walker, and to President Trump. Join me, Voces de la Frontera, and the New Sanctuary Movement in a rally to keep families together this Thursday, June 21st, at 9:00am at the ICE Field Office in Milwaukee. The time to act is now,” Neubauer concluded.
