Senator Bob Casey Pens Letter Expressing Concerns Over Berks County Residential Center
by Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Senator Bob Casey has sent a letter to the head of the Department of Homeland Security, expressing concerns involving a residential center for immigrants seeking asylum. It's run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, under DHS.
In the letter, Senator Casey urges more oversight of the Berks Family Residential Center in Leesport, Pennsylvania.
"It's really a series of questions and concerns I have raised to Secretary Johnson about this prolonged detention policy," said Senator Casey about the letter.
The center houses immigrant women and children running from violence in their native countries, and who now face deportation.
"These are individuals who have already been victimized by the horror from which they are fleeing," said Casey.
Casey says recent stories of abuse and neglect at the center have raised concerns, including a toddler who was left alone while his mother was in the hospital
"A three-year-old child kept in detention for nearly three days with no family. How does that happen? Why does it happen?" Casey said.
In a statement, the center says it remains committed to ensuring the safety of everyone in the facility.