(Richmond, VA)  Bishop Barry C. Knestout issued the following statement June 22 regarding the reports of abuse at Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center in Staunton.

“We are greatly concerned about reports of abuse of undocumented immigrant teens that may have occurred at the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center in Staunton.

“We support Gov. Ralph Northam and Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner in their call for an investigation into the abuse six Latino teens have said, in sworn statements, they endured at the facility between 2015 and 2018.

“If the accusations that the teens were stripped, handcuffed, beaten and left in cold cells are true, those responsible for these actions must be held accountable.

“Furthermore, the situation is another indication that we are in desperate need of immigration reform — especially our care for and treatment of undocumented immigrants. There is no excuse for inhumane treatment of anyone who comes to our country.

“We reiterate the teaching of the Catholic Church: Every person has basic human rights and is entitled to have basic human needs met — food, shelter, clothing, education, and health care. The policies of our government should ensure those rights are respected and those needs are met.”