MISSISSIPPI CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ISSUES SUBPOENA TO HOMELAND SECURITY DEMANDING DOCUMENTS ON CHILD SEPARATION AND BORDER DEATHS OF IMMIGRANTS

Wednesday, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued a subpoena to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf for records regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s handling of children and families at the border.

Chairman Thompson originally requested these documents on January 4th. Despite repeated requests, the Committee has still not received the documents. The Committee authorized the issuance of the subpoena Wednesday.

Representative Thompson said, “The Committee, in its oversight role, has been dutifully engaging with DHS to obtain records on its policies and activities at the southwest border – particularly those affecting children and families – for almost a year. The Department has unfortunately failed to provide these documents, obstructing our oversight efforts. The Administration’s child separation and metering policies at the border inflict real harm on children and families – and young children have tragically lost their lives while in custody. The American people want answers on how these policies were devised and enacted, and this subpoena will help ensure we get those answers.”