news

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s ill-suited response to the humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border:

“For the last five years, we’ve known that Central American families have been leaving their countries because of poverty, starvation, violence, and persecution. Unfortunately, the Trump administration has repeatedly failed to lead with any meaningful solutions and has used cruelty as a tool to address this humanitarian crisis. The approach announced today is no different.

“As a result of incompetence and lack of leadership, this administration has driven El Paso and our law enforcement to a ‘breaking point.’ We know that a border wall doesn’t prevent asylum seekers. Furthermore, President Trump has failed to provide a long-term solution and instead gutted critical funds to address the root causes of Central American migration.

“El Pasoans need smart and humane solutions. In the absence of leadership, I intend to, as I have done before, join forces with my community to bring forward tangible solutions. This week, I will hold a meeting with key stakeholders, community advocates and local leaders to ensure real steps are being taken to address our needs as El Paso honors our country’s tradition of welcoming asylum-seeking families in pursuit of the American Dream.”

Congresswoman Escobar has taken several actions to address El Paso’s humanitarian and financial needs, including asking CBP to incorporate local organizations into the proposed central processing center for the El Paso sector, and drafting legislation to assist localities and non-profits through a new federal grant program.