The other difference is that there is a policy in place to deter migrants by separating the children and treating them this way. It is a not too surprising outcome when policy is driven by the demonization of entire groups. Demonize a group of people and it becomes easy to lose sight of the basic humanity that they share with the rest of us. I think that should be the primary concern in this situation. A secondary concern is that this is going to cost the taxpayer plenty when the awards from the class action lawsuits wind their way through the judicial system.
Class action lawsuits for detainment of non us citizens?