Press Release
Posted:
El Paso – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) concluded his tour of El Paso and the border alongside Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and a number of his colleagues. This visit was accomplished to get a comprehensive look at the challenges federal law enforcement agents and migrants face along the border.
“Being at the border this week emphasized the need to focus on the problems of our broken immigration system and not on the inflammatory rhetoric,” said Thompson. “It was important for me to see for myself the impact of an outdated immigration system affecting both law enforcement and migrants, and how these problems place an unfair burden on local government. It is clear that we need solutions that crack down on illicit activity, facilitate commerce between the United States and Mexico, and find humane and just ways to process those seeking asylum in our country. I thank Congresswoman Escobar for her invitation and hospitality in her community.”
“I’m thrilled that Rep. Mike Thompson joined me in El Paso to see firsthand how our immigration policies are affecting communities along the southern border,” said Escobar. “Bringing so many of my colleagues to my community is an incredible opportunity to not only show off the important and often overlooked work on the ground going on in border communities but to also continue urging meaningful immigration reform, including investment in the infrastructure at our ports. I only hope House Republicans will one day come to the table and be serious about finding legislative solutions.”
As part of this Congressional Delegation, Rep. Thompson visited the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry to meet with law enforcement, including Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents, and discuss much-needed infrastructure investments, including that provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He also toured a Central Processing Center and the El Paso County Processing Center where he had the opportunity to speak with migrants who made the arduous journey to the United States. Finally, the delegation also met with several stakeholders managing the migrant arrivals, including regional leaders, advocates, business leaders, and faith leaders.