Immigration, Police, and CPS
I will seek to enforce the national Family Unity and Dignity Act that protects families across all systems, including immigration, CPS, and law enforcement. This legislation would require federal agencies and any state program receiving federal funds to prioritize family preservation. Before a child or parent is separated, agencies must prove that every community-based option has been exhausted. This shifts the focus from punishment to problem-solving. It ensures that families are supported with resources, not broken apart by default.
Accountability and Oversight
The Act would also create an independent Family Integrity Oversight Office that reviews separation decisions made by ICE, CPS, and police departments. This office would audit cases, investigate abuses, and enforce penalties for wrongful separation. Data transparency would be mandatory. Agencies would have to report the number of separations, the reasons, the demographics, and the outcomes. By shining a light on these practices, Congress can stop the quiet harm that happens behind closed doors.
Investing in Community Strength
Finally, the solution must include federal investment in community-based alternatives to fill 1/3 of the police department with health professionals to discern a matter before a fatality or wrongful imprisonment occurs, as business as usual. This includes funding family resource centers, mental health partners for law enforcement culturally competent social workers, and nonprofit networks that keep families stable. When communities have the tools to solve problems early, the need for government removal decreases. Congress can lead with the simple truth that strong families build strong communities. The goal is not just to stop separations, but to empower parents, protect children, and break the historic pattern of divide-and-conquer once and for all.