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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s calls to investigate non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in El Paso aiding with migrant arrivals a day after the Governor reinstated his economically disastrous DPS port inspections:

“The significant number of migrants arriving at our southern border, which undoubtedly places great stress on communities like El Paso, should be an opportunity for leaders to engage with collaboration and humanity. Governor Abbott’s decision to investigate NGOs that are providing humanitarian care for migrants is shameful and intended to intimidate and instill fear in non-profit and faith-based organizations that exemplify the values we should all aspire to.

“Most border NGOs that work tirelessly on the border help provide temporary shelter, food and hospitality to migrants, most of whom will be awaiting adjudication of their asylum claims with sponsors they have in different parts of the country. They have been doing this work for decades and deserve our praise, not persecution.

“Many of the migrants arriving at our border have been exploited or targeted by criminal organizations along their journey, and while the large numbers are presenting a challenge for all of us, we can and should rise to the occasion without sacrificing our values. It’s important that all of us, especially during the holiday season, remember the values at the heart of our faith. My faith taught me that whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.

“In Congress, I have been working to address the unprecedented financial strain felt by our community, and I’m grateful for the financial support we’ve received from FEMA and the Biden Administration. I’ve spoken with House Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro just this week and had conversations with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about additional support and creative solutions. And I continue to call on my colleagues in Congress to pass legislation that will help address a situation that has been decades in the making.

“For some it’s easier to simply be a critic – or worse yet, a malign force – and a lot harder to be a collaborator. Moments like this call on us to be problem solvers, and I’d encourage the Governor to put his partisan stunts aside and provide meaningful support to the communities he represents.”