Press Releases

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson will join Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Tuesday, February 19, on a tour of the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Minor Children. Homestead is the nation's largest facility housing migrant children. There are currently more than 1,500 children living there, but that number reportedly could soon increase to 2,350. The facility has faced scrutiny because it is run by a for-profit company. In addition, it is located on federal property and does not have to be licensed by the state or follow state child care standards. The children, who range in age from 13 to 17, are also reportedly receiving educational services, over which the Miami-Dade Public Schools system has no jurisdiction.

"The purpose of this visit is to witness firsthand the circumstances under which the children are living and how lawmakers can best provide oversight over the increasingly troubling situation faced by unaccompanied minors and children separated from their families," said Congresswoman Wilson. "It is important that they do not linger here or at any detention center and are placed as quickly as possible with adult sponsors so that they can have some semblance of a ‘normal' life. We must also be very mindful of the emotional trauma these children are likely experiencing and make sure that is addressed."

The tour will be followed by a press conference at Homestead and a roundtable discussion with national and local immigration leaders at Rep. Mucarsel-Powell's district office.

Participating lawmakers include Representatives Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), Donna Shalala (FL-27), Sylvia García (TX-29, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquín Castro (TX-20).

10:30 a.m.: Congressional delegation tour of the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Migrant Children, 960 Bougainville Boulevard, Homestead **This event is closed to the press but there will be a brief media availability before the tour begins.

11:30 a.m.: Members will hold a press conference after the tour at the Northeast corner of the intersection of Bougainville Boulevard and Ramy Avenue.

1:15 p.m.: Congressional roundtable discussion with immigration leaders and advocates at 12851 SW 42nd Street, Miami. One or two survivors of the White House's family separation policy will also participate in the discussion. This event is open to the press.