Amid immigration influx, congressman visits Border Patrol, immigrants in McAllen

McALLEN — A local congressman sought to spotlight the influx of Central American immigrants to the Rio Grande Valley and spur the federal government to action by hosting tour of a Border Patrol facility on Saturday.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar — along with a delegation of local officials — met with Border Patrol agents and immigrant families and unaccompanied children who entered the country illegally, most of whom are from Central America and many of whom will eventually be released to the care of relatives elsewhere in the country.

Cuellar called on President Obama’s administration and Congress to address the issue.

“This is what we’re doing right now guys: We’re playing defense on the one-yard line called the U.S.-Mexico border,” Cuellar said. “If we don’t take it to the 20-yard line, and work with them on the southern border (of Mexico) and also work with Guatemala, El Salvador, we’re going to continue having them continue crossing over.”

Cuellar said Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson have not prioritized Latin America enough.

“I would say to Secretary Kerry and the administration that Mexico and Central America is certainly not on their radar,” he said.

He added that the U.S. should increase aid to Latin American countries to help boost their economies, help Mexico establish an enforcement agency on their southern boundary with Guatemala, and send a congressional delegation to Central America.

http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/amid-immigration-influx-congressman-visits-border-patrol-immigrants-in-mcallen/article_45666c6e-f413-11e3-add9-0017a43b2370.html