The Trump administration’s “grotesque and dehumanizing” treatment of migrants will get a hearing from the House Oversight Committee next week. Committee Chair Elijah Cummings has let acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan and acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan know that he wants to hear from them on July 12.
“There seems to be open contempt for the rule of law and for basic human decency. The committee needs to hear directly from the heads of these agencies as soon as possible in light of the almost daily reports of abuse and defiance,” Cummings said Tuesday. The question now is whether McAleenan and Morgan will show up, or whether this will turn into yet another episode of Trump administration stonewalling.
If McAleenan and Morgan don’t show up, there should still be plenty of material for a hearing. Have the lawyers and other observers who’ve let the nation know how terribly children—and adults—are being abused in U.S. border facilities. But also, subpoena the Trump officials if need be, and don’t let up the pressure.