WASHINGTON — A Justice Department lawyer who argued in court that the federal government wasn’t legally required to provide soap and toothbrushes to detained migrant children in some conditions is defending herself after video of the exchange went viral, saying in a message to her friends that the U.S. “should do our very best to care for kids” while in custody.
“I think that many many people believe I was in court Tuesday arguing against providing certain hygiene items to kids,” Fabian writes, adding later: “I do not believe that’s the position I was representing.”In testimony last week before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Fabian argued that the requirement that the government provide “safe and sanitary” conditions for detained children didn’t necessarily require showers, soap or toothbrushes.
“I will say that I personally believe that we should do our very best to care for kids while they are in our custody, and I try to always represent that value in my work,” Fabian writes. “A vast majority of the work that I do is not public, but I strive to help people by my participation in the process.”
NBC News obtained a screenshot of the message from a person who is friends on Facebook with Fabian. Another Facebook friend who also saw the message confirmed its authenticity. Both spoke to NBC News on condition of anonymity.In the message, Fagan points out that she’s “not permitted to make any statements in any official capacity,” calling it a “just a message from me, your friend” and “not a press release.
She should definitely try to stay quiet after that pathetic performance.
There is no defense for torturing children, they're innocent no matter what anyone thinks of their parents.
We all need a moral compass. Following orders is not a good defense for inhumane behavior imho.
There is no defending her actions
Any defense other than “I was out of mind when I said those things” will not cut it.
I would quit my job before arguing what she did, so no pity for her new found fame. Stand up and don't use it was just my job defense
Another hard working woman victimized by a Fascist Media!
Was the defense, 'I was only following orders'?
A trump man in charge of the worst cages said these kids live in unlocked cages and can walk away any time(babies) . But they stay because its so nice there. They are the ones who said slaves loved being slaves because they were so well treated.
Fabian lied about the conditions in the cages and about hygiene available for the kids. There are unspent billions for the products needed. Products are there and not being handed out.
Fabian, representing this vile, odious kakistocracy. Puts you at odds with decency.
Federal lawyers went to the cages and found deplorable conditions. Babies hugging other babies for comfort. No soap and no showers. Billions in unspent money for their safety and care. Trumps man lied about soap not being there.
Illegal. Send back, ASAP! U.S. has many many disadvantaged children that are legal citizens.
She’s a Republican! The cruelty is the whole point!
a lawyer who represents her/himself has a fool for a client “Justice Department lawyer defends herself after viral video on child migrant treatment”
Consult PeteWilliamsNBC please. She wasn't giving 'testimony'. She was making was making an oral argument before the Court of Appeals.
There is no defense
Check her attic for Shirley Temple
Somebody doing thier job and making legal arguments on a position should not be criticized Should we now criticize all public defenders or all criminal defense attorneys? She was doing her job during a government appeal of a ruling against the government during Obama’s term
this is an evil person. no matter how you do the math, she is an evil person assisting worst people to do evil deeds. period.
Nope. I don't think we need to hear another word from her
There is NO defense for letting children suffer!
False Impression Oh it's the 'Who are you going to believe, Me or your Lyin' Eyes' Defense. GIVE me a Large Break to GO . . . .
maybe defend the children so you dont have to defend yourself
too late ChildrenInCages
This despicable human being has no credible defence!
You can’t defend the indefensible
Shame on you!!!! 🙄 I know you’re mother taught you better 🤔🤔🤔
“Just following orders” didn’t save the Nazis and it won’t save you.
1. She is doing her job 2. She doesn’t have to do that job 3. She could of resigned 4. She could of gave an impassioned speech about why and gotten all sorts of offers for demonstrating what so few people in this administration have, integrity.
Tax abortions
One word: Indefensible.
BS Double talk...so very AG William Barr-like. It was not selective editing, it was her. Who sent her to make such a representation (AG Barr). What kind of sick animal would think like that (AG Barr)
NancyluvClyde What's her defense? I did it for the kids?
The people who are at fault here are the people who are bring the children into this country illegally. Despite the bullshit from the left the little illegals are treated better here than where they came from. They all have indoor plumbing and electricity. .
She only followed orders.
Hey, even Bill Clinton had to defend himself when it came to weaponizing the INS in order to wrongfully seperate a Cuban Hispanic Boy from his Miami Family. Only to deport him back to an abusive father in order to appease a Bloody Socialist Dictator. Defending what's Undefendable
Defending the indefensible. Sarah is the face of banal evil.
First she advocated tearing children away from their families. Then she advocated withholding basic sanitary and hygiene. Now that she got caught, she denies it? At least own your cruelty. What a horrific, disgusting beast.
Boo boo. The ugly beast is sad she got caught.
“I’m a Republican!” Is her only defense
There is no defense of what she said. Period. The End.
There is no defense.
“I do not believe that’s the position I was representing.” This would be funny if it weren’t so disgusting.
NotOurResponsibility SendThemTheHellBack BuildTheDamnWall Trump2020
There is no way you can defend lack of preparation. Clearly, no homework done in this case. Those judges had her for lunch!
LOOKS HARD NOSE
She is indefensible.
😲😎🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
WHAT DEFENSE?THERE'S A DEFENSE? THERE IS NO DEFENSE! HER IDEA OF A DEFENSE WILL BE QUESTIONED BY A JURY; LAUGHED AT BY HER PEARS & WARDEN & SPIT UPON BY HER CELLMATES. I PREDICT SHE'LL DROWN IN SPIT W/HER CO-HORTS DENYING THEY EVER MET HER
Sounds like Democrats have been wrong for a long time in denying a crisis. They should have provided funding a long time ago.
Wow, just like a Trumpian to do this, deny it all. Sarah, you picked working for Trump, and you decided to take on children, so what did you expect would happen. Its one thing for adults that are potentially bad for the country, but not, but children, babies are a threat? WOW
Ma'am, the judges listening to your arguments DID have the full context. Their reactions to you tell us everything we need to know. Get a new job, work on being a better person.
They should face the international tribunal for torture & amnesty international should investigate all these camps.
Gee, wish I was smart enough to defend myself against crimes against humanity. Must be one of the 'best' Trump hires all the time...
She deserves to be in prison.
Ah .. the good old 'I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” defense.
Seriously does SarahFabian know there’s video of her doing exactly that?
She has no defense. Her testimony is recorded for all to see and hear.
I watched that and there's no way she can defend herself. The judges made her look foolish.
'tries' to defend herself
Yep. On 2nd thought, her character says maybe.
How about just admitting the wrong doing or failing and correct the problem. But when you try and justify it, now you’re opening yourself and the Government to more scrutiny. Not a smart move, especially for an attorney who should be well versed enough to get around this trap.
Put her on the same cages at the border with no soap or toothbrush!
Well Fabian would be correct if Congress hasn’t passed a law mandating and funding these supplies to these detainees. Other arguments about “decency” or UN refugee minimum requirements don’t apply to economic migrants illegally jumping the queue and would still need funding.
That’s gonna stick with her for the rest of her life.
no mention of who in the DOJ hired her. intresting... or just another bias post.
TheJusticeDept There is no defense, period. How could an attorney SarahFabian humiliate herself in front of judges with such lame disrespect for law and humanity? Appalling for America to have voted for cruelty. HouseOversight ACLUTx ConcentrationCampsForKids JoeBiden
Women attorneys are way worse than male attorneys. Take my ex-wife for example.
Only way is for her to jump off a ...
There's no defense for her position in court..... none
It’s just my job. No, really. I like most kids. TrumpsConcentrationCamps ConcentrationCampsForKids KidsInCages SarahFabianIsAMonster
Depressing!
The future which we hold in trust for our own children will be shaped by our fairness to other people's children. Marian Wright Edelman
The “I wear a MAGA hat but I am a good person” argument...
There is no defence
Shame on you
Trump hires professional liars. Enough said. End of story. In the last 2 years, 5 months, 100s of stories have been merely paraphrases of those four simple words: 'Trump hires professional liars.'
Nuance and context is lost in this world of clips.
That moment when the party that uses suctions and scalpels on children get mad about toothbrushes.
lol
When you find yourself defending the inhumane treatment of children by your government, maybe it’s time to just say “you know what, I can’t do this.” and quit.
Must be all the extra time she has not defending our status as a humane country.
How?
cardi needs to dog walk you.
Oscar and Angie. RIP.
She’s an American hero just like Trump
Pretty dumb and muddled. Maybe more dumb than evil, as opposed to those in charge of the policy, like Stephen Miller, the criminal against humanity.
HEARTLESS!!
How do you defend the indefensible?
If they are being treated so badly, put them on buses, trains and caravan them back to where they came from. Illegals are not USA citizens. SEND THEM BACK.
WHWhiteTrash
“Defends”?!
Sorry, but hiding behind a defense of “I’m only doing my job” and “I’m not allowed to say what I think” is the realm of cowards and liars. Ethics require you to do the right thing, and there’s no justification for her performance in court, and role in justifying these atrocities.
It's good to know that her inhumane sentiments existed even before realDonaldTrump became a president.
bmangh Nope. There’s no coming back from that.
Your name will be remembered for your support of cruelty. Your friends should dis own you at least
Everyone in this administration past & present is scum of the Earth.
She’s a disgrace! Bla bla bla!
She needs a conscience.
There is no defense for such an uncaring hateful statement. She needs to resign as an apology and get some moral and empathy training.
She’s HEARTLESS!!! Reap what you Sow!!!
Not newsworthy
The administration is made up of terrible people
Good thing she didnt work at Harvard.
Rich people are bad people
BradMossEsq Nope. Period Nope Trash Period Trash - NOPE. You did you said it there is NO excuse - maybe your dog sitting can give you a credible job. NO!
I'd leak out my 'pvt' cya Facebook status too were I her. A not-public public statement.
You don't have to do your job if it is unreasonable. Sit the fuck down.
AtheistNed check this shit out
When a lawyer has to defend herself & actions in court, it is either a loser case or a loser lawyer.
There is no defense.
Stop just stop !!!
Probably shouldn’t be a lawyer if you don’t know what you’re arguing: “I think that many many people believe I was in court Tuesday arguing against providing certain hygiene items to kids,” Fabian writes, adding later: “I do not believe that’s the position I was representing.”
Fat idiot doesn’t seem to understand Nuremberg trial defense of “just doing my job” is no defense. She should have refused to defend the case. But that would have taken ethics and backbone.
There is no defense for this crap. Children are innocent victims in this mess being caged and treated like animals, worse in some instances.
Sarah Fabian, don’t you DARE blame selective editing for creating a false impression. I know exactly what you were defending! Lead by example! Go weeks without soap or a toothbrush. Sleep on a concrete floor with the lights on. Then tell me it’s appropriate!
As a lawyer it’s essential that you zealously advocate for your client. But I’d like to think that I would be a moral enough person to walk away if this is what my client demanded of me.
BradMossEsq She can bloody well quit, then.
Sounds like she’s spewing alternative facts!
At least Henry Wirz, commandant of Andersonville prison in Georgia, had a more coherent defense of his mistreatment of 45,000 Union prisoners, 13,000 of whom died. I read he also gave them soap.
BradMossEsq It’s amazing to me that a “national political correspondent” for NBC and his editors do not understand the difference between “testimony” and attorney argument.
BradMossEsq There is no defense for what she said! Like the employees at Wayfair, she can stand up for what is right.
Indefensible.
I hate her even more now.
Would you let your kids stay in these places? Occam’s Razor.
This was beyond disgusting
Too late to redeem yourself, woman lawyer! You defended behaviour so vile, so mean, so uncharitable! You could have taken a stand against this treatment of children!
It’s done and there’s no walking it back.
Good luck with that.
veggie64_leslie Another Humpty tool goes down in flames.
I watched the whole argument. She should explain what she was arguing then, because the full unedited text shows nothing different. Ianal though
BradMossEsq Lemme guess she was just “following orders”
You'd think a career Federal employee who's served in that role since 2011 wouldn't have 'a lack of precision in her argument'. Besides, 'I'm not very good at my job' isn't much of a defense.
Oh this is rich 🙄
There is no defence for someone who has no morals and ethics to go and argue such stupidity
BradMossEsq The 'clip' I saw was un edited and about an hour long. I stand bu how this was characterized by the media. Ms Fabian can redeem herself by resigning.The economy is great and she will have no problem getting employment elsewhere.
Is she taking on melania 'be best' platform?
I can't place the blame on Fabian as she's doing her job. She is carrying out realDonaldTrump's direct orders. She is arguing for Trump's directives. THIS is what we have to fight!
I too watched the full tape. My reaction of disgust was based on her full argument. She should be ashamed, and if the argument was against her principles then she should have asked her supervisor to be excused from the case.
The stench of her choice will follow her forever!
Her name is SarahFabian and she sleeps with evil. She is not some random lawyer.
She is just trying to get the heat off her!!! She should be ashamed of herself!!!
There is absolutely no defense. She should resign
Arguing that a specific item is not designated in a law designed to create a safe and sanitary environment for children is bullcrap. You were outed by the judge and no amount of additional lawyer speak will make your position humane.
Sooooo...her arguments that soap, toothbrushes or toothpaste weren't necessary items was misunderstood and/or taken out of context? SMDH.
BradMossEsq Read this,
BradMossEsq We see you and we know who you are and what you said.
Sleep with the devil, be called evil!
'I'm just doing my job' is always a great defense from a morally repugnant position.
She's blaming the editing. She was edited badly. Sure, got it.
BradMossEsq
“Dear Facebook, I’d really like to not be remembered as someone who assisted the proto-Nazi regime defend their inhumane policies, so just like the actual Nazis argued at Nuremberg, I was just following orders…'
Give me a break! You said what you said and you can’t retract it.
if you have to make a FB post to your friends you might want to have a think
Wow.......Now “She” wants understanding?
She, like other DOJ specialized attorneys, had the option to decline. She & her bosses chose,and prepared by practice, to Appeal the definition safe & sanitary. Geneva Convention covers adults more than Trump WH would children.
she should be fired or resign.... her heart is made of stone..
But there is no defense. None. Not even 'I was following orders '. No. None. Zero.
She should be disbarred!
On rare occasions in my line of work, I'm asked to build things I know aren't safe, or that I know won't meet my personal standards. ...and I say 'No, I won't do that.' - sometimes in far more colorful language. Knowing right from wrong is part of EVERYONE'S job.
“Just following orders”
SarahFabian wants to help, but ya know, she doesn't want to break any ethics rules except for the rules at TrumpCamps cool, cool.
there. is. no. defense.
She previously defended separating children from their mothers as 'necessary' and claimed it wasn't used as a deterrent. This is a truly despicable person.
You are wrong, children to me regardless of birth, color, or religion are a number ONE PRIORITY! These children will always remember how they were treated!! You make the DOJ look horrible!!
Democrats had no problem with these detention centers with Obama in office. You bragged more than a few times that Obama deported illegals at a record level. Your objections now simply reveal how you were raised. If you didn't have double standards you wouldn't have any at all.
Was her defense of herself as icy cold and cruel as her defense of the Trump admin's handling of these poor children?
Is she claiming it was all 'locker room talk'? Is that the strategy now for taped evidence of ugliness?
Hot air! Nothing you can say lady to fix what you did.
Honestly, Sarah Fabian can dine on my taint.
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