The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) has demanded a full investigation by the DOJ and DHS into the Texas Department of Public Safety's intentional separation of migrant families, calling for urgent measures to end the practice.
"Governor Abbott continues his political stunts in implementing illegal, cruel, and inhumane tactics to unsuccessfully prevent migrant families from seeking a better quality of life," Rep. Tony Cárdenas said.
August 16, 2023, The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) sent a forceful letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday, demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the intentional separation of migrant families by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Signed by 28 Representatives, the letter also calls on both agencies to take necessary measures to prevent this practice and to ensure that families remain united. The letter was co-signed by a broad coalition of U.S. Representatives, reflecting a concerted concern across various states.
The letter begins with a clear and assertive statement: "The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) writes to demand that the Department of Justice (DOJ) immediately launch an investigation and take concerted measures to ensure that officials from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) stop intentionally separating migrant families along the Rio Grande sector of the U.S.-Mexico border."
It goes on to detail confirmed reports of children dying in custody, families being separated when fathers are illegally detained on misdemeanor charges, and, according to the CHC, the unwillingness of Texas communities to support what they describe as "Governor Abbott's cruel and deadly political stunts."
In a corresponding press release, CHC Chair Nanette Barragán expressed deep concern, stating, "The reports that children and families at the U.S.-Mexico border are being traumatized through cruel separation tactics ordered by Governor Greg Abbott are disturbing."
The press release also includes statements from various members of Congress. Rep. Veronica Escobar said, "The tactics we're seeing Greg Abbott employ against migrants in the name of 'border security' are just as inhumane and horrendous as they were when the Trump administration used them. Justifying family separation and cruelty as deterrents to legal asylum seeking has no place in immigration policy or this country."
CHC Whip Rep. Sylvia Garcia criticized the governor's actions, saying, "Governor Abbott continues his political stunts in implementing illegal, cruel, and inhumane tactics to unsuccessfully prevent migrant families from seeking a better quality of life." Rep. Tony Cárdenas also chimed in, pointing to what he sees as a blatant disregard for basic human rights in "Governor Abbott's Operation Lone Star."
As of the date of the letter, neither the DOJ nor the DHS has publicly responded to the CHC's demands.