New name, same mission! LIRS is now Global Refuge. Learn more.

New name.
Same mission.

LIRS is now Global Refuge.

Welcoming newcomers since 1939.

See Our Evolution

The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Immigration and Asylum

Statement – Global Refuge Reacts to Reports of Alarming Conditions for Migrant Children at Fort Bliss

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

July 7, 2021

Contact: Kimberly Uslin | kuslin@globalrefuge.org | 717-479-2932

Washington D.C.– Global Refuge is deeply concerned by today’s reports of abuse occurring at intake centers for migrant children from government whistleblowers.

The Government Accountability Project released alarming disclosures of abuses occurring at a Ft. Bliss Emergency Intake Shelter for unaccompanied children, including “undue reliance on [an] unskilled private contractor,” overcrowded conditions, insufficient and negligent oversight, and case management failures.

The Department of Health and Human Services has been operating several large-scale emergency intake sites since the influx of unaccompanied children began this spring. Ft. Bliss is the largest of the facilities, with the capacity to hold approximately 5,500 children. The facilities are not subject to state licensing requirements and, despite escalating concerns by advocates, standards of care have not been released.

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge, offered the following statement on the reports: 

“The reports coming out of Fort Bliss are deeply troubling and simply unacceptable. As the leader of an organization that cares for unaccompanied children and emphasizes trauma-informed care, I am horrified that a contractor without childcare experience is overseeing the well-being of thousands of children.

As a mother, I cannot get the image out of my head of that young girl who was waiting for the bus ready to go home, only to find out it was a cruel mistake and she would remain in federal custody.

The Biden Administration must act now to move children from these horrific conditions into small, safe, family-centric homes like those in the Global Refuge network. Fort Bliss and other temporary influx facilities must be shut down as soon as possible. Let us pray that these children are able to heal from their past trauma and see a brighter future.”

Founded in 1939, Global Refuge (LIRS) is one of the largest immigration and refugee resettlement agencies in the United States. Global Refuge is nationally recognized for its leadership working with and advocating for refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, immigrants in detention, families fractured by migration and other vulnerable populations. Through 80 years of service and advocacy, Global Refuge has helped over 500,000 migrants and refugees rebuild their lives in America.

The Latest

  • Press Release

    August 19, 2024

    Global Refuge urges thoughtful immigration discussion at DNC

    We hope to hear a robust commitment to policies that respect the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, prioritize family unity, and reflect the enormous contributions these newcomers make

    Read More
  • Press Release

    August 15, 2024

    Afghan anniversary offers opportunity to end uncertainty for Afghans

    Today marks the three-year anniversary of Afghanistan falling under Taliban control and the beginning of the U.S. military withdrawal from the country.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    August 14, 2024

    Global Refuge receives grant from Truist Foundation supporting New American Lending

    Global Refuge today announced it received a two-year, $1 million grant from Truist Foundation supporting New American Lending, an economic empowerment initiative.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    August 9, 2024

    Texas Governor orders hospitals to collect immigration status data

    Governor Greg Abbott of Texas issued an executive order directing the state’s hospitals and health care centers to question patients about their immigration status beginning on November 1, 2024

    Read More
  • News

    July 8, 2024

    Timeline: Our Advocacy for Afghan Allies

    In early 2021, Global Refuge joined veterans’ groups and resettlement agencies to form the Evacuate our Allies coalition, and we advocate for the continued evacuation of at-risk Afghans and the integration of Afghans already in the United States.

    Read More

Share