DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement after Homeland Security Secretary ​Kirstjen ​Nielsen defended the White House policy of separating children from their parents:

“Children belong with their parents​, not locked in cages like animals​. Cruelty is not a national security strategy. Period. The obvious fact remains that Donald Trump created this humanitarian disaster. He can fix it and allow these children to be with their families. Instead, the administration has chosen to continue separating children from their parents. This utter lack of compassion and respect for basic human dignity is grotesque. And the blind contempt his staff has shown toward anyone pointing out the truth is a vile disgrace. This is not who we are. The American people are watching.”