Governor Abbott’s “invasion” rhetoric and violent overreach is an affront to human rights

Rio Grande Valley, TX— La Unión del Pueblo Entero condemns Governor Greg Abbott’s latest executive order authorizing National Guard troops and the usage of state resources to return asylum seekers to ports of entry.

“While Texans are still reeling from the tragic death of migrants found last week in an abandoned trailer in San Antonio, Governor Abbott has escalated his anti-immigrant stunts,” said Dani Marrero Hi, director of communications at LUPE. “This type of strategically misleading responses will only force people to migrate through more drastic and dangerous ways, and it will cause harm to human life.

“Abbott’s extremist views do not represent the majority of Texans. Our tradition is to look out for each other and extend a helping hand when we can. We believe in respecting and welcoming people with the courage to move here for a better life— no matter our color or accent. These are the values a majority of Texans have upheld for generations. We won’t betray our values to help the governor score cheap political points.

“Abbott’s leadership creates an unbearable tense environment in our communities. Border residents will also feel this unnecessary increased policing in their daily lives by being constantly pulled over on their way to work or dropping off their children in school. By choosing to spend $25 million dollars a week on his publicity stunts, the governor sends a clear message that he does not care about the real and urgent needs of South Texans. He only cares about his political career.

“It is long overdue for President Biden to intervene and put an end to Governor Abbott’s Operational Lonestar and provide border communities the resources we need to safely welcome people arriving at our nation’s doorstep.”