INSIGHT – When the U.S. puts a border between migrant kids and their caretakers

Leah Chavla, a policy advisor with the Women's Refugee Commission in Washington, D.C., said she knows of at least six cases of children separated from parents who were returned to Mexico. “I am positive we are scratching the tip of the iceberg,” Chavla said.

She and other advocates said that when the validity of a familial relationship is uncertain, it makes more sense to let parents stay in the United States while the matter is sorted out.

Referring to Gerardo's case, “It's just so shocking how easily they separated him and sent him across the border,” Chavla said. “You'd think they'd do a little due diligence before that.”