Old Walmart turned Holding Center for Children

Old Walmart turned Holding Center for Children

On Wednesday, federal reporters were allowed a tour through a shelter for holding undocumented children separated from their parents. The shelter, located in Brownsville, Texas , is the largest of its kind in the nation, housing roughly 1,500 boys aged 10 to 17. For months, the residents of Brownsville were wondering what the old Walmart was being reconstructed into with the new name "Casa Padre". 

The holding shelter serves as a place for children to go while their parents are going through legal processes because of their status. The kids are fed, medically examined, vaccinated, clothed, educated and get physical activity, however, many argue that this action is still inhumane, as people compare them to animals in captivity. There is also the problem of being understaffed. "Advocates worry that Casa Padre doesn't have the number of employees or the experience to help children in such difficult circumstances, as opposed to the larger population of immigrants who crossed the border as unaccompanied minors" (Texas Tribune).