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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Jen Nessel, Center for Constitutional Rights, (212) 614-6449, jnessel@ccrjustice.org

In Court Friday: Case Alleges Family Separation Amounts to Torture, Crimes Against Humanity

On Friday, March 5, 2021, at 2 p.m. ET, attorneys representing a father ("Mr. C.") and his then-19-month-old son, who were detained and forcibly separated for nearly six months after seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, will argue telephonically to a federal court judge in New York, against the government's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit over their treatment. Central to the case is the claim that the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" and family separation policy constituted torture under international law and crimes against humanity as established at Nuremberg.

WASHINGTON

On Friday, March 5, 2021, at 2 p.m. ET, attorneys representing a father ("Mr. C.") and his then-19-month-old son, who were detained and forcibly separated for nearly six months after seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, will argue telephonically to a federal court judge in New York, against the government's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit over their treatment. Central to the case is the claim that the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" and family separation policy constituted torture under international law and crimes against humanity as established at Nuremberg. Though a federal judge eventually ordered that father and son be reunited, Mr. C. and his son are suing for damages for their suffering under the Trump administration's deliberate policy of inflicting emotional distress and torture. Seven amicus briefs, by human rights organizations and scholars, were submitted in support of Mr. C. and his son.

WHAT:

Oral argument on the government's motion to dismiss D.J.C.V. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

WHO:

Baher Azmy, Center for Constitutional Rights Legal Director

Ghita Schwarz, Center for Constitutional Rights Senior Attorney

Katheryn Ball, Morgan Lewis

WHEN:

Friday, March 5, 2021, at 2 p.m. ET

WHERE:

(888) 363-4749, Access Code 468-4906

The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. CCR is committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change.

(212) 614-6464