By The Fort Stockton Pioneer  

Congressmen Tony Gonzales (TX-23) and Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) led eight members of the Texas Delegation in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. The members expressed concern for the Administration’s practice of catch-and-release for the thousands of migrants unlawfully crossing our southern border and the lack of consistent testing for COVID-19.

The letter stated:

“In a Mar. 8 letter signed by 23 members of Congress, we requested information on the enforcement status of Title 42 (42 U.S.C. Section 265) as reports surfaced of more than 100 migrants being released after testing positive for COVID-19. Your response stated that Customs and Border Protection personnel conduct initial inspections of individuals for symptoms or risk factors associated with COVID-19, but that suspected COVID-19 cases are referred to local health systems for testing and treatment.”

“The Delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly throughout the United States, and your department has recognized increased rates of noncitizens testing positive for COVID-19. Given the rising number of cases, it is imperative that all undocumented individuals who are apprehended at our borders either show proof of a Food and Drug Administration approved vaccination or be tested for COVID-19.”

Members joining the letter were congressman Ronny Jackson, congressman Brian Babin, congressman Jodey Arrington, congressman Louie Gohmert, congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, congressman Dan Crenshaw, congressman Kevin Brady, congressman Pete Sessions.