Critics on LI skeptical of Trump’s change of heart

<p>President Donald Trump&rsquo;s change of heart on his immigration policy that resulted in families being separated after illegal border crossings is being met by varying reactions on Long Island.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 20, 2018, 9:44 PM

Updated 2,129 days ago

Share:

President Donald Trump’s change of heart on his immigration policy that resulted in families being separated after illegal border crossings is being met by varying reactions on Long Island.
The images of young children in tears, housed in metal cages at border facilities set off national and international outcry.
Joan Bernstein, of Jericho, said that she was “thrilled” the president reversed the decision.
“Very, very saddening to see children separated from their parents,” said Bernstein.
Others said it's too little, too late.
“I'll believe it when I see it. Very unhappy about it. Hope he does end it. It's a terrible thing to do. He should be ashamed of himself,” said Lois Danis, of Woodbury.
Walter Barrientos, an immigrant advocate, said the president's executive order will result in the creation of modern day internment camps.
“We do not believe this president one bit,” said Barrientos. “This executive order does not resolve the issue. It actually creates more concern for us because they are talking about potentially putting these families at military bases.”
In a statement, Republican Rep. Peter King applauded the president's move.
“I had called on the president earlier to suspend or end the family separation policy. I support his executive order and hope that Congress will follow this up with more comprehensive legislation," his statement said.
Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin said in a statement in part, “It’s not good policy to separate children at our border from their parents and release them into the United States as [unaccompanied alien children]. It’s also not good policy to immediately release families who enter our country illegally into our communities.”
The statement ends with advice for potential migrants.
“In the meantime, my advice for anyone who doesn’t want to be detained for entering into the United States illegally is to not enter the United States illegally.”
President Trump said both the first lady and his daughter Ivanka Trump urged him to keep families together.


More from News 12
2:25
CT partnering with other states to regulate artificial intelligence

CT partnering with other states to regulate artificial intelligence

2:00
On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

1:50
FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

1:14
Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

0:29
Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

0:21
Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

0:29
Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:34
Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

2:11
Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

2:27
17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

2:17
Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

2:05
Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

0:46
CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

2:05
Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

0:22
NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

1:58
Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

0:50
'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures