HHS Demands Deutch Apologize For Public Remarks On Abuse Of Migrant Kids

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) speaks on November 12, 2018, at the Broward Supervisor of Elections office in Lauderhill, Fla. Deutch has been tabbed to lead the House Ethics panel in the 116th Congress. (Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/TNS)
U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) speaks on November 12, 2018, at the Broward Supervisor of Elections office in Lauderhill, Fla. Deutch has been tabbed to lead the House Ethics panel in the 116th Congress. (Joe Cavaretta... U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) speaks on November 12, 2018, at the Broward Supervisor of Elections office in Lauderhill, Fla. Deutch has been tabbed to lead the House Ethics panel in the 116th Congress. (Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) MORE LESS
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In a letter to House Ethics Chairman Ted Deutch (D-FL), the Department of Health and Human Services demanded that the lawmaker apologize for his public remarks about the abuse of migrant children who are in the custody of the agency, Politico reported.

According to the letter obtained by Politico, HHS’ Acting Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement Jonathan Hayes said that Deutch mischaracterized the data and “impugned the integrity of hundreds of federal and civil servants.”

In an impassioned speech during the House Judiciary Committee’s hearing on the family separation policy, Deutch shared data on the number of sexual abuse complaints made by children in HHS custody over the last four years. The data show that thousands of children have filed complaints of abuse, and that includes hundreds of alleged assaults by HHS staff.

But Hayes argues that the majority of allegations filed fall under the category of “‘inappropriate sexual behaviors’ involving solely UAC (unaccompanied alien children) and not staff or any other adults.” He said the category is used to define behaviors such as “use of vulgar language.”

Deutch told Politico he stands by the comments he made earlier this week and still seeks a meeting with HHS on the topic.

Read the letter below:

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Notable Replies

  1. Hayes argues that the majority of allegations filed fall under the category of “‘inappropriate sexual behaviors ‘ involving solely UAC (unaccompanied alien children) and not staff or any other adults.”

    Oh, well in THAT CASE I guess it’s O.K. to abuse them as they are “just kids”. /s

  2. Avatar for 1gg 1gg says:

    Separating kids is an abuse in and by itself!

  3. One dumpster fire after another.

    We need Jimmy Breslin back. These people couldn’t pour piss out of a boot with directions on the heel.

  4. In what world does the use of “vulgar language” get characterized as sexual abuse? I call BS and for a release of the actual data. Btw, even if it is sexual conduct between the UAMs, by definition, they are minors, and HHS is responsible for their well-being. If any of that conduct is by use of threat or force or otherwise nonconsensual, particularly depending on age, HHS should be on the hook. They keep these kids confined. They damn well better make sure they are as safe as possible from any threat of harm. I could go on, but it’s s clear I’m with Deutch on this. Meanwhile, this jerk doesn’t say what they’re doing to improve conditions, but only tries to minimize complaints. It’s the GOP way.

  5. May I suggest HHS’s Acting Director of ORR Jonathan Hayes you label inappropriate sexual behaviors" better. It would be great if you categorized vulgar language separate from inappropriate contact by staff. And separate behavior of staff from detainees. It helps keep important data accurate to the behaviors that are happening.

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