State gets backlash for new rule licensing detention centers for child care

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has proposed a rule that would give child care licenses to immigration detention centers. In a hearing this morning, opponents shared their resentment toward the idea, saying it would be inhumane.

Alejandro Caceras came to the United States 21-years-ago and has never looked back.

“I have my three sisters and my mom here and everyone else is in Honduras. I think that everyone in my family is trying to get out of Honduras,” Caceras said.

His family is among the many who are trying to move to America for a fresh start.

“The violence the poverty, the corruption,” Caceras said, describing his home country.

Those who are undocumented and arrested may be brought to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center.  Now a proposal by DFPS would give those facilities child care licenses. Many like Caceras, feel the state is going too far.

“I think that it's despicable,” he said.

He's not alone with his sentiments, a crowd came out to voice their concerns about children of immigrants. Jonathan Ryan is an attorney who represents many of those immigrating to the U.S.

“We have seen unspeakable abuses occur within these facilities from negligence in terms of medical care to sexual abuse,” Ryan said.

“It's horrible to imagine that this is child care. I know what good child care is and I understand what the purposes of child care are,” Virginia Raymond, immigration attorney, said.

The department says after oral and written testimony has been heard they will make a decision which will likely come, well into the new year.