First Lady Melania Trump visited a detention center in Texas housing immigrant children separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. As part of her visit, she toured the facility and participated in a roundtable with the facility's staff to learn more about the plight of the children. She asked the staff, "How I can help...these children to reunite with their families as quickly as possible?"
Trump expressed concern about the physical and mental well-being of the children. During her visit, she asked how often they're able to communicate with their families. Children who have verified family members are allowed to speak to their families ten minutes, twice a week.
"We all know they are here without their families and I want to thank you for your hard work, your compassion, and your kindness you are giving to them in these difficult times," she said, addressing the staff.
The Upbring New Hope Children's Center in McAllen, Texas currently houses 55 immigrant children between the ages of 12 and 17, although the facility is licensed to care for children as young as 6.
"Her goals are to thank law enforcement and social services providers for their hard work, lend support and hear more on how the administration can build upon the already existing efforts to reunite children with their families," the White House's Office of the First Lady said in a statement.