Lawmakers Tour Shelter For Undocumented Children

California Lawmakers, including members of the Latino Legislative Caucus, toured a temporary shelter on Tuesday that was set up last month for undocumented children at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme.

The base is housing 575 teens who entered the United States illegally without a parent.

Lawmakers were not allowed to talk to the children, who are staying in barracks with bunk beds, but they did hear some of the kid say hello and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

During a conference call put on by the caucus, lawmakers said the children seemed well care dfor and happy. They have visited a health clinic and have prayed with religious leaders.

Their average stay is two weeks. About 700 kids have already been placed with relatives until their immigration status is decided. Some fled violence in Central America and have no parents to return to, others are trying to find parents in the U.S.

Caterers have been hired to feed the children who were seen playing basketball and soccer outside on Tuesday. Portable showers and bathrooms have been set up near their housing.

The base plans to keep the shelter open for another three months unless the Obama administration asks for an extension.

Navy leaders have not publicly talked about the controversial situation that has caused people to honk and protest for and against the shelter outside the Navy’s gates.