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 February 27, 2019 / Modified feb 27, 2019 3:33 p.m.

Sex Abuse Allegations Come Up at Hearing on Family Separations

A U.S. representative highlighted allegations of sex crimes against migrant children during the Obama and Trump administrations. by Matthew Casey, Fronteras Desk

Ted Deutch Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch speaking in a video still from a U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary hearing, Feb. 26.

PHOENIX — Thousands of allegations of sex crimes against migrant children surfaced during a hearing Tuesday on family separations held by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.

Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch said family separations will always be a dark time in U.S. history. Then he pivoted and introduced documents and charts outlining allegations of sex crimes against migrant children during the Obama and Trump administrations.

“The details of these sexual abuse allegations are shocking,” Deutch said.

Deutch clashed with Commander Jonathan White of U.S. Health and Human Services, who was one of the witnesses.

Republican Rep. Tom McClintock later asked White to respond.

“And the vast majority of allegations prove to be unfounded when they’re investigated by state law enforcement and federal law enforcement,” White said.

One shelter worker in Arizona was convicted of sex crimes against migrant children last year and another was arrested on suspicion of them.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Fronteras Desk
This story is from the Fronteras Desk, a collaboration of Southwestern public radio stations, including NPR 89.1. Read more from the Fronteras Desk.
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