Rep. Scott PetersVerified account

Today I visited an immigrant children's shelter in Pleasant Hill, CA with @RepThompson and @RepDeSaulnier to witness the traumatic effects of separating kids from their parents. #KeepFamiliesTogether

I was refused access to any of the shelters in San Diego because @HHSGov claimed they never received my request. (We have a confirmation email from their staff.) We also spent weeks corresponding with HHS to ensure we followed the correct protocols and clearance requirements.

It's clear @HHSGov wanted us to see this facility and not one that primarily houses children separated from their families. Still, all these children have difficult journeys-- fleeing violence, persecution, and more. We can't add to that trauma with zero-tolerance policies.