Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Governor OfficeGovernor Charlie Baker, a Republican, canceled today the deployment of Massachusetts National Guard to the U.S./Mexico border because of the “inhumane” treatment of children.
“Governor Baker directed the National Guard not to send any assets or personnel to the Southwest border today because the federal government’s current actions are resulting in the inhumane treatment of children,” Baker Communications Director, Lizzy Guyton, shared in a statement.
State officials announced early in June that Massachusetts National Guard troops would be deployed at the border to “provide aviation reconnaissance to offer an additional tool for observation and tracking of unlawful activity in the region,” said MA National Guard.
The cancellation comes amid increased scrutiny over the Trump-Pence Federal Administration’s practice of separating children from families at the border, condemned by the United Nations, a coalition of Catholic bishops, including Roman Catholic Cardinal-Archbishop of Boston, Seán O’Malley, and public officials around the nation, including former First Lady Laura Bush.
Under international law, people fleeing violence and persecution have the right to request asylum in the United States of America (or any country), even if entering or attempting to enter the illegally.
In early April, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that anyone caught crossing the border illegally or attempting to cross the border illegally would be criminally prosecuted. Then, on May 7, during a speech in San Diego, Sessions clarified the zero-tolerance policy, stating it includes separating children and parents.
Subscribe to The Shrewsbury Post Updates
