House Democrats called on the Department of Homeland Security to end its immigrant family detention program in a press conference Thursday in Washington.

Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.), and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) cited inhumane and cruel conditions in detention centers, and the impact of incarceration on the psychological health and well-being of women and children.

“Vulnerable women and children fleeing violence and abuse in their home countries are not breaking the law – they’re seeking asylum in the United States,” said Lofgren. “To throw them in jail – oftentimes with inadequate medical treatment, poor living conditions, and in some cases outright neglect and abuse – is not only unconscionable, but it’s un-American.”

“We all need to remember that these are our children and families,” Gutierrez said. “They could be our nieces and nephews and neighbors’ kids and we should not be in the business of jailing children.”

Rep. Roybal-Allard proposed using alternatives to detention that are "effective, less costly, and more humane," such as supervised release.

Meanwhile, a coalition of immigrant activists and advocates in the Philadelphia region has been calling for the closing of the Berks Family Residential Center, a detention center outside Reading, Pennsylvania.

“What is occurring in the Berks Center is plain and simple a detention camp for undocumented immigrant families,” reads a press release by immigrant organization Juntos. 

The organization cited the case of a woman that was raped by a security guard in the detention center, and the case of a child who began to vomit blood and did not receive medical care until the fourth day. 

Earlier this month, ICE announced enhanced oversight over detention centers.

“Unlawful imprisonment cannot be remedied by making the unlawful imprisonment more humane,” said immigration attorney Matthew Archambaul. “ICE is engaging in illegal and immoral activity and no matter how many swings are put out in the playground or how many toys are placed in the play area, this type of detention is illegal and immoral.”