ABILENE, TX — Hundreds of miles separate us from what is going on the U.S.-Mexico border and with President Trump putting pen to paper today on an executive order that keeps immigrant families together it has an impact on West Texas.
Recent separation of immigrant children from their families at the U.S. Border raised a lot of mixed reaction and questions.
Our voices at the State and U.S. Capitol speak on this controversy.
U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington released a statement to us, it reads in part: "The current situation at our border highlights the fundamental brokenness of America’s immigration system. The president is doing everything in his power with half of the tools and resources."
President Trump took action and signed an executive order to end the separation of children from their families.
A State Representative, Stan Lambert, also released a statement to us, it reads in part: “I'm glad to see that action has been taken to clarify this issue....no one should be allowed to enter our country illegally, and this order keeps our border secure while keeping families seeking asylum together."
Earlier this week in Fort Worth, Texas, the diocese confirmed with our sister station – WFAA, that some of these children were being housed by Fort Worth Catholic Charities.\
We reached out to the San Angelo Diocese, Bishop Michael Sis tells KXVA, he is not aware of any children being housed under the diocese and they don't have any intention of doing so.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was conducting sight assessments at Dyess and Goodfellow Air Force Base, and Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas to possibly shelter immigrant children.
Following Trump’s executive order they tell KXVA, “No decisions have been made yet concerning site assessments for the unaccompanied alien children program.”