search
Sections List
American Journal News

Human rights views of Trump's DHS pick raise concerns for safety of immigrant detainees

A prominent veterans’ group raised the alarm when it was first reported that retired Marine Corps General John Kelly might join President-elect Donald Trump’s military-heavy cabinet. Now the pick is official. Although Kelly had a respected military career, he will be assuming control over a raft of civilian federal agencies that are, in large part, […]

By Tommy Christopher - December 12, 2016
Share
Donald Trump,John Kelly

Now the pick is official.

Although Kelly had a respected military career, he will be assuming control over a raft of civilian federal agencies that are, in large part, already at risk of over-militarization. Any general in this sort of position would be concerning, especially one who just retired in January and has no relevant civilian leadership experience.

There are grave concerns specifically regarding Kelly’s attitude toward human rights abuses. Particularly attracting attention is his reaction to the idea that the United States’ treatment of detainees has decreased our moral standing:

‘I would say that people who said to me, ‘Well, we have now lost the moral high ground,’ I think that’s foolishness,’ Kelly said on Wednesday night. ‘Some might say that. The jihadists were saying it today. Gimme a break. [Islamic State] is telling us we lost the moral high ground? I love it.’

The rationale that we should use ISIS as a human rights yardstick is frighteningly familiar, but Kelly was also dismissive of the idea that Guantanamo detainees were mistreated at all:

‘Human rights groups on the one hand will criticize the U.S. government for enteral feeding,’ he said. ‘But in private, they’ll tell me ‘Thank goodness you’re doing this. These people might hurt themselves.’ I am charged by the president, we are charged by the president – the U.S. government – to maintain their health to the degree that we can. They have, frankly, better healthcare down there than probably the veterans in our country have, and they certainly have as good of health care down there as anyone in the U.S. military does.’

Given the volume of human rights abuses that have been alleged at Guantanamo, Kelly’s attitude is troubling.

As is this section of his 2014 address to the Human Rights First Summit, in which he appears to empathize with those who commit atrocities, and seems to view the prospect of getting caught as the main reason to investigate violations:

From the U.S. military point of view, there have been, unquestionably, there have been abuses within the U.S. military. My Lai for my generation, the Vietnam generation coming up, My Lai is an obvious one. Haditha Dam, for us that wear the Marine uniform, many many, a number of others, from this war. But at the end of the day, as I tell the — and it’s resonated with the leadership in some of these, all of these countries that I deal with — at the end of the day, and I will end with this, at the end of the day it’s not that an event happened. Whether it’s My Lai or Haditha Dam, it’s not that the event happened.

If you’ve never been to combat, and I don’t mean been in uniform and been in Iraq, I mean really been in combat, it’s impossible to understand what you go through, what the young men and the young women go through. It’s impossible, and it wears you down over time. There’s no excuse for violating human rights to do these atrocities, there is never an excuse to violate human rights and to do atrocities. But, and again there’s no excuse, but there is an explanation, but you can’t even understand the explanation and unless you’ve really been in combat.

But in any event, we don’t have, we have a zero tolerance, but we don’t have a perfect record. But as I tell the leadership, it is what you do when you suspect it, or when you have a case. You have to, institutionally, you have to look into it. You can’t turn a blind eye to it.

As much as you don’t want to go after your soldiers, your Marines, and prosecute them, you have to do it. You cannot cover it up, and in fact it’s almost impossible to cover up things these days anyways. And at the end of the day, a court of law or a court-martial will certainly give the individual that’s accused his or her day in court, so to speak.

But as I point out to them again and again and again, it’s not the fact that you have a violation, or that you have a soldier that got out of hand, or a cop that did something wrong. It’s how the institution responds to it. If you cover it up — if you investigate it and really hold people accountable, then people will give you credit for that. If you don’t investigate, if you do try to cover it up, you will eventually get caught, and then you’re — no one will, it just takes away from the credibility of your organization.

This was during a speech in front of a human rights organization. Immediately afterward, Kelly told the Washington Post that detainees at Guantanamo are being treated well. The gulf between Kelly’s words and deeds is concerning across every aspect of the sprawling Homeland Security bureaucracy, but particularly with regard to our immigration detention system.

According to the latest figures, the United States detains over 400,000 people per year in 209 immigration detention facilities, most of which are operated by private (and for-profit) companies. Those detainees are vulnerable to sexual assault by agents, contractors, and other detainees, with little to protect them:

Transgender women are particularly targeted for abuse at the southern border: They are often housed with men, placing them at increased risk for sexual assault. Cis women and all children are also targeted, by border guards and staff at detention centers. Further, undocumented migrants who are assaulted are routinely denied access to abortion and emergency contraception.

Under Trump’s immigration plan, those figures will likely increase. And his nomination of Kelly displays dangerous indifference to the conditions under which immigrants will be detained.

When Kelly’s confirmation comes before the Senate, Democrats should uphold the principle of civilian control over our government. But first and foremost, they should carefully examine Kelly’s record and rhetoric on human rights abuses.


Read More
AJ News
Latest
Minnesota House candidates take far-right stances on birth control and vaccines

Minnesota House candidates take far-right stances on birth control and vaccines

By Jesse Valentine - November 04, 2024
 Competitive Michigan House races feature anti-labor Republican candidates

 Competitive Michigan House races feature anti-labor Republican candidates

By Jesse Valentine - November 01, 2024
In her words: At age 17, DakotaRei escaped Texas to get an abortion

In her words: At age 17, DakotaRei escaped Texas to get an abortion

By Bonnie Fuller - October 31, 2024
Republican Larry Hogan takes in thousands from big pharma in final months of campaign

Republican Larry Hogan takes in thousands from big pharma in final months of campaign

By Jesse Valentine - October 30, 2024
Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer spent campaign funds on hotel stays, limo services

Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer spent campaign funds on hotel stays, limo services

By Jesse Valentine - October 30, 2024
Republican Bernie Moreno floats gutting “all” government investments for child care

Republican Bernie Moreno floats gutting “all” government investments for child care

By Jesse Valentine - October 30, 2024
Republicans campaign with Georgia’s Mike Collins despite racially charged remarks

Republicans campaign with Georgia’s Mike Collins despite racially charged remarks

By Jesse Valentine - October 28, 2024
Republican Michigan Legislature candidates backed unpopular abortion restrictions

Republican Michigan Legislature candidates backed unpopular abortion restrictions

By Jesse Valentine - October 28, 2024
Republican Kelly Ayotte’s record shows strong opposition to public school funding

Republican Kelly Ayotte’s record shows strong opposition to public school funding

By Jesse Valentine - October 23, 2024
Texas lawmakers backing school vouchers also pushed far-right education policies

Texas lawmakers backing school vouchers also pushed far-right education policies

By Jesse Valentine - October 23, 2024
Republican Rob Bresnahan endorsed controversial school choice policies

Republican Rob Bresnahan endorsed controversial school choice policies

By Jesse Valentine - October 22, 2024
Indiana Republican Micah Beckwith compared abortion to slavery and the Holocaust

Indiana Republican Micah Beckwith compared abortion to slavery and the Holocaust

By Jesse Valentine - October 16, 2024
Rick Scott’s new ad could land him in hot water with the Department of Defense

Rick Scott’s new ad could land him in hot water with the Department of Defense

By Jesse Valentine - October 15, 2024
Dan Bishop’s tough on crime talk clashes with his votes to deny police funding

Dan Bishop’s tough on crime talk clashes with his votes to deny police funding

By Jesse Valentine - October 08, 2024
Republican Rob Bresnahan invested thousands in company with ties to Chinese military

Republican Rob Bresnahan invested thousands in company with ties to Chinese military

By Jesse Valentine - October 07, 2024
More recordings show Sheehy disparaging Natives, federal government, Tester

More recordings show Sheehy disparaging Natives, federal government, Tester

By Darrell Ehrlick, Daily Montanan - October 04, 2024
Jacky Rosen targeted by GOP groups over discredited stock allegations

Jacky Rosen targeted by GOP groups over discredited stock allegations

By Jesse Valentine - October 04, 2024
Bernie Moreno backed plan to raise health care costs, reward hospital executives

Bernie Moreno backed plan to raise health care costs, reward hospital executives

By Jesse Valentine - October 01, 2024
Two Georgia Moms Are First Women to Die From Abortion Bans

Two Georgia Moms Are First Women to Die From Abortion Bans

By Bonnie Fuller - September 23, 2024
McCormick’s firm invested millions in Iran-linked companies, including weapons manufacturer

McCormick’s firm invested millions in Iran-linked companies, including weapons manufacturer

By Jesse Valentine - September 18, 2024
Senate hopeful Hung Cao backed plan that puts Social Security, veterans’ benefits at risk

Senate hopeful Hung Cao backed plan that puts Social Security, veterans’ benefits at risk

By Jesse Valentine - September 18, 2024
Senate candidate Eric Hovde’s bank financed nursing homes facing abuse accusations

Senate candidate Eric Hovde’s bank financed nursing homes facing abuse accusations

By Jesse Valentine - September 18, 2024
Gov. Gianforte’s mission to ban abortion could be impeded by state referendum

Gov. Gianforte’s mission to ban abortion could be impeded by state referendum

By Jesse Valentine - September 13, 2024
Republican Kelly Ayotte’s opposition to ACA clashes with most voters

Republican Kelly Ayotte’s opposition to ACA clashes with most voters

By Jesse Valentine - September 04, 2024
Laurie Buckhout calls China a threat while holding thousands in China-linked investments

Laurie Buckhout calls China a threat while holding thousands in China-linked investments

By Jesse Valentine - August 23, 2024
Sen. Rick Scott leaves hurricane-ravaged Florida to fundraise and campaign for Trump

Sen. Rick Scott leaves hurricane-ravaged Florida to fundraise and campaign for Trump

By Jesse Valentine - August 21, 2024
Wealthy U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno wants more tax cuts for the rich

Wealthy U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno wants more tax cuts for the rich

By Jesse Valentine - August 21, 2024
Voter registrations in Maine spiked after Harris announced candidacy

Voter registrations in Maine spiked after Harris announced candidacy

By Emma Davis, Maine Morning Star - August 14, 2024
No, Sen. Bob Casey did not invest in a Chinese fentanyl company

No, Sen. Bob Casey did not invest in a Chinese fentanyl company

By Jesse Valentine - August 14, 2024
Republican Eric Hovde’s company drove small businesses into bankruptcy

Republican Eric Hovde’s company drove small businesses into bankruptcy

By Jesse Valentine - August 13, 2024
GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke’s campaign spent cash on fine dining, luxury stays

GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke’s campaign spent cash on fine dining, luxury stays

By Jesse Valentine - August 12, 2024
U.S. House candidate Rob Bresnahan said anti-abortion ruling “did what it should do”

U.S. House candidate Rob Bresnahan said anti-abortion ruling “did what it should do”

By Jesse Valentine - August 06, 2024
Caught on camera: Migrants working on anti-Immigration hardliner Greg Gianforte’s property

Caught on camera: Migrants working on anti-Immigration hardliner Greg Gianforte’s property

By Jesse Valentine - August 05, 2024
Republican Rep. Ken Calvert opposes abortion access for military personnel

Republican Rep. Ken Calvert opposes abortion access for military personnel

By Jesse Valentine - July 29, 2024
Kelly Ayotte hired consultant who pushed controversial Project 2025 agenda

Kelly Ayotte hired consultant who pushed controversial Project 2025 agenda

By Jesse Valentine - July 26, 2024
Trump, MAGA campaign against Harris already laced with misogyny, racism

Trump, MAGA campaign against Harris already laced with misogyny, racism

By Dana Gentry, Nevada Current - July 24, 2024
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz doesn’t want to talk about Texas’ restrictive abortion ban

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz doesn’t want to talk about Texas’ restrictive abortion ban

By Jesse Valentine - July 23, 2024
Republican Tim Sheehy often brags about his business record. His company is in the red.

Republican Tim Sheehy often brags about his business record. His company is in the red.

By Jesse Valentine - July 22, 2024
Big investors are buying up single-family homes. Sen. Sherrod Brown has a plan to stop them.

Big investors are buying up single-family homes. Sen. Sherrod Brown has a plan to stop them.

By Jesse Valentine - July 09, 2024
New Mexico Senate nom Nella Domenici earned up to $1 million renting out Connecticut home

New Mexico Senate nom Nella Domenici earned up to $1 million renting out Connecticut home

By Jesse Valentine - July 08, 2024
GOP’s Mark Robinson blames bad fathers for social ills despite own son’s criminal record

GOP’s Mark Robinson blames bad fathers for social ills despite own son’s criminal record

By Jesse Valentine - July 03, 2024
Kelly Ayotte’s history of backing Medicare cuts could be hurdle in governor’s race

Kelly Ayotte’s history of backing Medicare cuts could be hurdle in governor’s race

By Jesse Valentine - July 02, 2024
Texas Republican Ken Paxton enlisted outside group to gut rights for pregnant workers

Texas Republican Ken Paxton enlisted outside group to gut rights for pregnant workers

By Jesse Valentine - June 24, 2024
Ted Cruz leverages Trump conviction on podcast for own personal gain

Ted Cruz leverages Trump conviction on podcast for own personal gain

By Jesse Valentine - June 11, 2024
Arizona Republican Kari Lake proposes massive cuts to Medicaid and Medicare

Arizona Republican Kari Lake proposes massive cuts to Medicaid and Medicare

By Jesse Valentine - June 10, 2024
Virginia U.S. Senate candidate Hung Cao says workplace diversity is ‘Marxism’

Virginia U.S. Senate candidate Hung Cao says workplace diversity is ‘Marxism’

By Jesse Valentine - June 06, 2024
Republican Bernie Moreno’s rags-to-riches story exposed as a lie

Republican Bernie Moreno’s rags-to-riches story exposed as a lie

By Jesse Valentine - May 24, 2024
What happens to clinics after a state bans abortion? They fight to survive.

What happens to clinics after a state bans abortion? They fight to survive.

By Chabeli Carrazana and Shefali Luthra - May 22, 2024
Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte took job at Caterpillar after tax fraud probe

Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte took job at Caterpillar after tax fraud probe

By Jesse Valentine - May 21, 2024
Alabama OB-GYN residencies dropped over 20% after Dobbs, state abortion ban, says analysis

Alabama OB-GYN residencies dropped over 20% after Dobbs, state abortion ban, says analysis

By Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector - May 21, 2024
House GOP celebrates National Police Week while pushing to defund local law enforcement

House GOP celebrates National Police Week while pushing to defund local law enforcement

By Jesse Valentine - May 16, 2024
Evolution denier Mark Robinson could reshape North Carolina’s education system

Evolution denier Mark Robinson could reshape North Carolina’s education system

By Jesse Valentine - May 16, 2024
Republican Jay Ashcroft backs anti-abortion clinics that push lies and disinformation

Republican Jay Ashcroft backs anti-abortion clinics that push lies and disinformation

By Jesse Valentine - May 14, 2024
Republican Sam Brown’s assault on teacher unions could backfire

Republican Sam Brown’s assault on teacher unions could backfire

By Jesse Valentine - May 09, 2024
Florida abortion ban puts GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s anti-choice views in spotlight

Florida abortion ban puts GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s anti-choice views in spotlight

By Jesse Valentine - May 07, 2024
Trump leaves door open to banning medication abortion nationwide

Trump leaves door open to banning medication abortion nationwide

By Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom - April 30, 2024
Republican Caroleene Dobson wants Alabama abortion ban to go nationwide

Republican Caroleene Dobson wants Alabama abortion ban to go nationwide

By Jesse Valentine - April 30, 2024
Ohio Gov. DeWine said he didn’t know of millions in FirstEnergy support. Is it plausible?

Ohio Gov. DeWine said he didn’t know of millions in FirstEnergy support. Is it plausible?

By Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal - April 29, 2024
GOP Rep. Zach Nunn suggests laws against hate crime aren’t needed

GOP Rep. Zach Nunn suggests laws against hate crime aren’t needed

By Jesse Valentine - April 15, 2024
GOP Senate candidate Hung Cao blames racial equity for Baltimore bridge tragedy

GOP Senate candidate Hung Cao blames racial equity for Baltimore bridge tragedy

By Jesse Valentine - March 29, 2024
GOP Rep. Jennifer Kiggans donates thousands to far-right extremists

GOP Rep. Jennifer Kiggans donates thousands to far-right extremists

By Jesse Valentine - March 08, 2024
Ohio senate candidate Bernie Moreno: “Absolute pro-life no exceptions.”

Ohio senate candidate Bernie Moreno: “Absolute pro-life no exceptions.”

By Jesse Valentine - March 07, 2024
Anti-China Republicans pocket thousands from Chinese owned conglomerate

Anti-China Republicans pocket thousands from Chinese owned conglomerate

By Jesse Valentine - March 04, 2024
Republican Eric Hovde makes inconsistent statements about family history

Republican Eric Hovde makes inconsistent statements about family history

By Jesse Valentine - February 26, 2024
Republican David McCormick invests millions in website that platforms Holocaust denial

Republican David McCormick invests millions in website that platforms Holocaust denial

By Jesse Valentine - February 09, 2024
Lawmakers will again take up bills expanding, tightening gun laws

Lawmakers will again take up bills expanding, tightening gun laws

By Annmarie Timmins, New Hampshire Bulletin - January 31, 2024
UAW delivers rousing presidential endorsement for Biden over ‘scab’ Trump

UAW delivers rousing presidential endorsement for Biden over ‘scab’ Trump

By Ashley Murray, States Newsroom - January 24, 2024
Republicans Sam Brown and Jeff Gunter sling mud in Nevada senate primary

Republicans Sam Brown and Jeff Gunter sling mud in Nevada senate primary

By Jesse Valentine - January 17, 2024
A Young Texas Woman Almost Died Due To The Texas Abortion Bans – Now She’s Battling To Save Other Women

A Young Texas Woman Almost Died Due To The Texas Abortion Bans – Now She’s Battling To Save Other Women

By Bonnie Fuller - January 10, 2024
Health care legislation preview: Maryland advocates want to focus on access, patients in 2024 session

Health care legislation preview: Maryland advocates want to focus on access, patients in 2024 session

By Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters - January 08, 2024
How GOP senate hopefuls try to excuse the  January 6 insurrection

How GOP senate hopefuls try to excuse the  January 6 insurrection

By Jesse Valentine - January 05, 2024
NH lawmakers will be taking up major voting bills this year. Here are some to watch for.

NH lawmakers will be taking up major voting bills this year. Here are some to watch for.

By Ethan DeWitt, New Hampshire Bulletin - January 04, 2024
Republican US Senate candidates want to make Trump’s tax cuts permanent 

Republican US Senate candidates want to make Trump’s tax cuts permanent 

By Jesse Valentine - December 22, 2023
Rand Paul went all in on the Kentucky governor’s race. It didn’t work.

Rand Paul went all in on the Kentucky governor’s race. It didn’t work.

By - December 15, 2023
Texas governor and attorney general do little to curb state’s chemical plant crisis

Texas governor and attorney general do little to curb state’s chemical plant crisis

By Jesse Valentine - December 08, 2023
Likely GOP Senate candidate Eric Hovde proposed tax hike for poorer workers and retirees

Likely GOP Senate candidate Eric Hovde proposed tax hike for poorer workers and retirees

By Jesse Valentine - December 07, 2023
Whitmer signs specific criminal penalties for assaulting health care workers into law

Whitmer signs specific criminal penalties for assaulting health care workers into law

By Anna Liz Nichols, Michigan Advance - December 06, 2023
105 Republicans voted to expel Santos for things Trump has also done

105 Republicans voted to expel Santos for things Trump has also done

By Jesse Valentine - December 05, 2023
For Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, another Trump term is another chance to kill Obamacare

For Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, another Trump term is another chance to kill Obamacare

By Jesse Valentine - December 04, 2023
Florida Sen. Rick Scott backs Donald Trump in revived push to repeal Obamacare

Florida Sen. Rick Scott backs Donald Trump in revived push to repeal Obamacare

By Jesse Valentine - November 30, 2023
Tate Reeves took donations from power company that hiked customer rates

Tate Reeves took donations from power company that hiked customer rates

By Jesse Valentine - November 06, 2023
Daniel Cameron ran on depoliticizing the Kentucky AG’s office. He made it more political.

Daniel Cameron ran on depoliticizing the Kentucky AG’s office. He made it more political.

By Jesse Valentine - November 03, 2023
Republican operatives sound every alarm on current trajectory of 2023 governor’s race

Republican operatives sound every alarm on current trajectory of 2023 governor’s race

By Adam Ganucheau, Mississippi Today - October 24, 2023
PEN America: Florida removed more library books than any state last year

PEN America: Florida removed more library books than any state last year

By Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix - November 01, 2024
Trump more than ever mixes anger, fear and insults to stir supporters, say researchers

Trump more than ever mixes anger, fear and insults to stir supporters, say researchers

By Ashley Murray, States Newsroom - November 01, 2024
Louisiana health care providers sue state, claiming misoprostol law violates constitution

Louisiana health care providers sue state, claiming misoprostol law violates constitution

By Lorena O'Neil, Louisiana Illuminator - October 31, 2024