White House cites COVID-19 as the primary reason for reopening.
This week, the administration announced that they reopened the migrant holding facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas. The facility was previously opened for one month in 2019 to aid in processing the overflow of migrates at the U.S. border.
According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, this was done due to the large influx of unaccompanied minors and as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among migrant children. “Customs and Border Control continue to transfer unaccompanied children to the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement,” she announced. “To ensure the health and safety of these kids, HHS took steps to open an emergency facility to add capacity where these children can be provided with the care they need before they are safely placed with families and sponsors,” the press secretary stated.
Several members of Congress voiced concern about the reopening of the facility. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortex, a vocal critic of the detainment centers in the past, reiterated on Tuesday, “This is not okay, never has been okay, never will be okay – no matter the administration or party.” Representative Ilhan Omar said that the detention centers were evidence of a broken immigration system. She called on the administration to close the facilities and to seek a major overhaul of the immigration system.
Press Secretary Psaki added that it is the administration’s goal to close the detainment facilities as soon as possible and that the reopening would only be temporary.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and members of the administration to seek God’s direction and guidance as they work to tackle the immigration issues at the nation’s borders.
- For God to give wisdom and understanding to members of Congress as they review immigration legislation.
- For God to protect the health of members of the Department of Health and Human services as they work with providing aid to those in need.
Sources: The White House, The Hill, Washington Times, Fox News
