Sen. Kirk's Office Challenges Illinois Migrant Figures
From the Associated Press
Recent data released by the federal government may reflect only a fraction of how many unaccompanied children apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border are in Illinois, with state officials saying hundreds more could be at shelters.
In a state-by-state list made public Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families said 305 children were released to Illinois sponsors from Jan. 1 through July 7 of this year. However, Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk's office said Friday federal data given to his office this month shows that another 429 children were at Illinois shelters as of July 8.
Kirk's office said Friday the number of children at the shelters fluctuates. A message left for a federal health and human services spokesman wasn't immediately returned.
Illinois is prepared to "help in whatever way necessary," Gov. Pat Quinn said Friday. His comment comes as governors in some other states, including Idaho, have asked federal officials not to send any of the children.
"We have a responsibility to ensure all children are treated with respect, compassion and dignity," the Chicago Democrat said in a statement. "My administration will continue to discuss this important subject with other federal, state and local elected officials."
The details of how and where the children are kept in Illinois as they await immigration proceedings are sparse.
The U.S. faces a sharp rise in unaccompanied minors who have been fleeing violence in Central America and crossing into the U.S. because they believe they will be allowed to stay.
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Associated Press
Recent data released by the federal government may reflect only a fraction of how many unaccompanied children apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border are in Illinois, with state officials saying hundreds more could be at shelters.
In a state-by-state list made public Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families said 305 children were released to Illinois sponsors from Jan. 1 through July 7 of this year. However, Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk's office said Friday federal data given to his office this month shows that another 429 children were at Illinois shelters as of July 8.
Kirk's office said Friday the number of children at the shelters fluctuates. A message left for a federal health and human services spokesman wasn't immediately returned.
Illinois is prepared to "help in whatever way necessary," Gov. Pat Quinn said Friday. His comment comes as governors in some other states, including Idaho, have asked federal officials not to send any of the children.
"We have a responsibility to ensure all children are treated with respect, compassion and dignity," the Chicago Democrat said in a statement. "My administration will continue to discuss this important subject with other federal, state and local elected officials."
The details of how and where the children are kept in Illinois as they await immigration proceedings are sparse.
The U.S. faces a sharp rise in unaccompanied minors who have been fleeing violence in Central America and crossing into the U.S. because they believe they will be allowed to stay.
Read more in our daily News Update...