In the wake President Trump’s proposed ban on flavored e-cigarettes after at least six deaths from lung diseases linked to the product, the former chairman for the Florida Republican Party is using the proposal to highlight concerns over the deaths of children while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a tweet from this Wednesday, Al Cardenas cited an CNBC article on the proposed vaping restrictions with the caption, “More children have died in ICE custody that from vaping.. just saying.”
More children have died in ICE custody that from vaping.. just saying https://t.co/bmkGROBY5D
— Al Cardenas (@AlCardenasFL_DC) September 12, 2019
As Newsweek points out, the death of a 10-year-old Guatemalan girl in May brought the number of known migrant child deaths in ICE custody to six within the past eight months.
“The Trump Administration is making it clear that we intend to clear the market of flavored e-cigarettes to reverse the deeply concerning epidemic of youth e-cigarette use that is impacting children, families, schools and communities,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “We will not stand idly by as these products become an on-ramp to combustible cigarettes or nicotine addiction for a generation of youth.”
First Lady Melania Trump also spoke out on the perceived dangers of vaping.
“Data shows a high usage of flavored e-cigarettes among our youth. It’s our responsibility as parents to understand the dangers that come from vaping,” she tweeted. “Our Administration supports the removal of flavored e-cigarettes from stores until they’re approved by @US_FDA. #BeBest”
Featured image via Shutterstock
