House Democrats are trying to force President Obama to end a highly debatable practice of holding immigrant mothers and children in detention- this showcases the major differences existing between lawmakers and the Obama government on immigration.

Around 130 House Democrats have signed a letter, that was being released later on Wednesday, and which is addressed to the Secretary, Homeland Security, who said that the Obama government has not fully grasped the harm that was being imposed on mothers and children who were in custody.

Democrats argued that ending the practice of detention – of families and children is the only solution. They wrote vehemently about ending this practice in the letter which they addressed to the DHS Secretary. Their protest got promoted after Hillary Clinton spoke against the practice at one of her rally speeches earlier in the month. She said that she was very “worried” about detention facilities for children and other categories of immigrants – all these remarks were praised by the advocates of immigration – this is indeed a kind of volte-face for Clinton, who has always been criticized for her stand on immigration.

Administration officials say that family detention is a necessary measure to stop further immigrants from entering the country illegally, but the practice has been sparking a lot of criticism from immigration activists and lawmakers.

“We believe it is undeniable that detention in a secure facility is detrimental to mothers and children and is not reflective of our values as a nation,” reads the letter.