On Influx of Central American Immigrants and humanitarian needs
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, TX – Today, State Representative R.D. “Bobby” Guerra (D-41) was joined by City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling and Chief of Police Victor Rodriguez to appear before the Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee and testified on the current border operations and humanitarian needs occurring in McAllen. Over the past two weeks, the influx of unaccompanied Central American children crossing along the McAllen border has resulted in the city being forced to take action and address this humanitarian problem.
Because of the lack of resources from our local and state law enforcement, the City of McAllen has been faced with depleting its emergency funding reserves in order to combat these issues and be proactive in assisting with the humanitarian needs in the Rio Grande Valley. The city has been sustaining the relief effort with local funds, and has been helped in large part by local charities and volunteers. Unfortunately, the city has had to take action without the financial support and resources from the federal government.
Members of the committee also heard from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, and State Health Services Commissioner Dr. David Lakey, both provided expert testimony from their law enforcement and public health perspectives addressing these serious humanitarian issues.
“Having Mayor Darling and Chief Rodriguez at today’s hearing served as an opportunity for the public to hear from our local officials who are at the center of this issue and are facing this crisis on a daily basis. Overall, the hearing provided meaningful discussions that will help the local, state and federal officials make informative and educated decisions in efforts to provide sustainability on the current immigration crisis occurring along our Texas borders. This critical issue will have a profound effect on the long-term immigration and security for Texas and our citizens,” stated Representative Guerra.
