ACLU Responds to Reports CBP is Using Tear Gas Against Migrants at the Border

WASHINGTON — Reports released today indicate that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are using tear gas against migrants attempting to seek asylum at the San Ysidro port of entry at the Mexico/California border.

Lorella Praeli, deputy political director at the ACLU, had the following response:

“Under no circumstances should CBP be using tear gas on children. This show of violence is outrageous and inhumane. The migrants at our southern border are human beings, including mothers and small children, who are exercising their legal, human right to seek asylum.

“Trump’s obsessive, racist crusade against immigrants will continue to inflict human pain and suffering until Congress is willing to step up and conduct real oversight. By December 7, Members must decide whether they will increase CBP’s budget through wall funding and more agents. Those who would give this agency a raise should recall the families ripped apart at the border and now, toddlers choking on tear gas, in their decision.”