House Democrats are seeking an investigation into Texas’ separation of illegal immigrants attempting to enter the United States at the Texas border.
The CHC also asks that both organizations do what they can to end what they call a “cruel” practice and keep families together. The letter was signed by 28 representatives and released along with statements from several group members.
The lawmaker asserted that Mr.Abbott has escalated the “inhumane” border policies, which she asserts are causing harm to “innocent people.”
The California lawmaker also claims that some of the men who cross the border and are apprehended by the Texas DPS are held in “deplorable conditions” without the ability to communicate with their wives and children, as well as being told they would be reunited with loved ones if they admit their guilt.
“The CHC will not stand for the mistreatment of vulnerable migrant families and asylum seekers,” Ms. Barragán said. “We call on the DOJ and DHS to investigate these allegations and ensure these families are reunited so they can proceed with their immigration cases together.”
Letter Demands
The letter, addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, called for an immediate investigation and intervention into the deliberate separation of illegal immigrant families by the Texas DPS along the Rio Grande sector of the U.S.-Mexico border.The group cited reports that at least 26 families have been broken up since July 10, with fathers arrested for criminal trespass and placed in state prison.
Particular concern arises from the alleged coercion of guilty pleas in exchange for release and reunion. CHC has called for expedited DOJ investigation into these claims, focusing on potential due process violations. The DOJ is urged to protect the rights of those in custody and collaborate with DHS to reunite affected families.
After being transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, fathers are, according to the letter, subject to expedited removal without connection to the families they were separated from. Mr. Mayorkas is requested to investigate these cases and ensure fathers’ non-placement in expedited removal, advocating for broader prevention of parent-child separations.
Mr. Abbott’s escalating measures at the Texas border, including sharp defense mechanisms, concertina wire barriers, and pushing illegal immigrants back into the Rio Grande, are denounced as inhumane and called fatal. CHC’s letter applauds the DOJ’s lawsuit against Texas for installing barriers in the Rio Grande but implores further action to curb Mr. Abbott’s policies.
The CHC demands a comprehensive response from DOJ and DHS detailing efforts to reunite separated families, protect due process rights, and prevent future separations.
Republican Response to the Border
On the other side of the political aisle, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) is calling on Republicans to block funding for DHS until President Joe Biden’s administration meets more aggressive criteria for border security.“Criminal cartels maintain operational control of the border. Migrants are dying on Texas ranches and along the Rio Grande. Little children are enslaved in the sex-trafficking trade,” Mr. Roy wrote.
“Fences are being cut, livestock are escaping, ranchers are threatened, and high-speed chases are tearing through small towns. Perhaps most deadly, dangerous fentanyl is pouring into our communities via an open border – empowering China and cartels while killing 200 Americans per day.”
Instead of passing a full-year appropriations bill for DHS, the Texas Republican argued that the Republican-controlled House should withhold such funding “until the necessary steps are taken to secure the border.”
The Texas DPS did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times’s request for comment.
