The whole thing is being misreported. This has been going on since Eisenhower, Bush senior signed papers making it official. It's usually very short term to protect the children, as in make sure those really were their parents they were with, not a coyote or other trafficer, and to protect them from molestation and other victimization in general population with adults. Trump improved their conditions in comparison to Obama. Right or wrong, not the point at the moment, not new and misrepresented is the point.

http://dailycaller.com/2018/06/19/photos-obama-immigration-detention-facilities