My latest for @MotherJones: in a nationwide first, a federal judge has ruled that Trump's family separation violates children's constitutional rights. The judge also ruled that the two children in this case must be treated for PTSD suffered as a result.
motherjones.com/politics/2018/…
motherjones.com/politics/2018/…
The two children, identified in court documents as nine-year-old “J.S.R” and 14-year-old “V.F.B.", fled their countries after witnessing violence and were quickly separated from their respective parents after crossing the US border in May. They were finally reunited yesterday.
The government conceded that the children’s “separation from their parents was ... traumatic.” Experts say the ruling could be used as a template for other actions on behalf of separated children, or provide a template for other judges to get children constitutional protections.
Lawyers are scheduled to go back to court tomorrow to present treatment plans to address the children's psychological injuries. Joanne Lewis, part of the children's legal team, told me: "We’re celebrating, but with a little bit of caution."
