MCALLEN, TX (WBAP/KLIF News) – Texas Senator John Cornyn led the latest expedition of lawmakers on a tour of the Rio Grande Valley Monday to get a firsthand look at the issues facing Border Patrol officials and agents.
Over the weekend Senator Ted Cruz was on the border. House Speaker Paul Ryan is scheduled to visit the area Wednesday.
The visits follow Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly signing guidelines that expand the pool of immigrants prioritized for removal, speed up deportation hearings and call for more enforcement agents to be hired.
“The surge of immigration at the southern border has overwhelmed federal agencies and resources and has created a significant national security vulnerability to the United States,” Kelly declared in a statement.
Meanwhile, Democrats participated in a roundtable discussion with former HUD Secretary Julian Castro, Representative Filemon Vela (D-TX) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).
Castro spoke of the historic significance of the U.S. – Mexico relationship: “That partnership has led to greater economic opportunity, better security and more prosperity for both nations.”
“For generations, the United States and Mexico have been strong partners,” says former HUD Secretary Julian Castro.
DeLauro decried U.S. immigration policy that allows for children born in the U.S. to remain while their parents are deported. “A policy that separates families is an inhumane policy,” DeLauro said. “Congress needs to pass comprehensive immigration reform.”
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