U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee's ruling against the detainment of immigrant women and children was met with acclaim by many Latino and non-Latino congressional lawmakers.

As Latin Post reported, Gee said federal authorities violated provisions that were originally placed to restrict detention of immigrant minors. With nearly 1,700 immigrant parents and children detained in six U.S. detention facilities, Gee said the federal government has until Aug. 3 to explain to her how her ruling should not require the release of immigrants within 90 days of the ruling...

...From the Senate, Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey called Gee's ruling as "momentous" and reaffirms the statements by human rights and immigration rights advocates.

"This momentous ruling confirms what faith leaders, human rights experts, immigration groups and many of us in congress have been saying: Family detention policies are not only inhumane and unnecessary, they are also illegal," Menendez said in a statement.

"The government must get out of the business of locking up children and families who are fleeing violence, particularly if it is clear they do not pose a danger to the community, national security or are a flight risk," added Menendez, who urged the Obama administration to promptly implement Gee's order without delay.

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