In a recent interview with CNN, Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) discussed the similarities between Trump-era border policies and the current Abbott administration’s policies.
According to an immigration attorney, at least 26 migrant families have been separated by Texas authorities.
“It is precisely what happened with the Trump administration, where the Trump administration decided they wanted to use cruelty as a deterrent. They wanted to use cruelty as a punishment against vulnerable souls seeking asylum,” said Rep. Escobar.
The Trump Administration was heavily criticized for its “zero tolerance” policy that separated thousands of migrant families as a deterrent to crossing the U.S. border.
“The Abbott administration is no different and in fact, in many ways is even more cruel and engages in even deadlier conduct than the Trump administration did. And it really is so important that people also see the incredible hypocrisy that is involved here.”
The Texas congresswoman linked the allegations of trespassing, targeted at migrants, with the Texas governor’s actions including the controversial use of buoys which caused many deaths.
“The families that were separated, the husbands were taken from their families and arrested because of trespassing. Well, Greg Abbott is trespassing on federal property and in international waters with his concertina water, with the buoys.”
The DOJ is set to sue Abbott for his handling of the border in court later this month.
“And so Greg Abbott is guilty of the very thing he is trying to punish immigrants for. But nevertheless, I will tell you, Jim, I am looking forward to the trial date. The Department of Justice has filed suit against the state of Texas. The DOJ has asked the judge to accelerate the suit. The judge agreed and there will be a hearing on this in a couple of weeks on August 22nd.”
Abbott responded to the lawsuit in July saying, “We have sent the Biden Administration numerous letters detailing our authority, including the one I hand-delivered to President Biden earlier this year.”
The Texas governor has consistently blamed the president for the issues at the border. However, some critics still disagree with the way Abbott has treated migrants at the border, and view his tactics as being cruel and inhumane.
