Congressman Gonzalez Invites First Lady to Visit Detained Migrant Children in the Rio Grande Valley

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) extended First Lady Melania Trump an open invitation to return to the Rio Grande Valley. The congressman would like Mrs. Trump to see, first-hand, migrant children who have been detained as a result of the administration's ‘zero-tolerance' policy.

This ‘zero-tolerance' policy has left over 2,000 children ripped apart from their families in multiple facilities that have yet to be visited by any member of the first family. Recently, Mrs. Trump made an unannounced trip to the Rio Grande Valley to visit the Upbring New Hope Children's Shelter, a facility overseen and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

"The First Lady has made it her mission to be a champion for all children," Congressman Gonzalez said. "As a testament to our shared commitment, my wife, Lorena, and I look forward to welcoming her back to the Rio Grande Valley to witness the humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border."

Read the full letter below:

Mrs. Melania Trump

First Lady of the United States

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mrs. Trump,

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to you for taking time out of your busy schedule to witness the humanitarian crisis occurring at the border as over 2,000 children have been separated from their families.

It was unfortunate that your previous visit was shortened by the severe weather and flooding in the Rio Grande Valley. As our communities come together to rebuild our homes and ensure everyone is safe, my wife, Lorena, and I would like to welcome you to visit us once more. Not only do I believe that you would benefit from experiencing first-hand how these children are processed through our flawed system, but I believe that it would comfort these families to know that our leaders have not forgotten them.

I am incredibly proud to represent a region filled with remarkable potential and people driven to serve one another. It would be my privilege to share the hardships and fortunes of our community with you, our First Lady of the United States.

Last, but not least, I would like to thank you for your service to our great nation. Whether it is raising awareness about the opioid epidemic or working to improve the lives of our children with the BE BEST campaign, you are making our country an even better place. I know that many in South Texas share your commitment to your fellow citizens and would welcome a second visit.

Should you have any questions, please have your staff contact Chief of Staff Jose Borjon at (202) 225-2531. Please let me know if you are available to visit us in South Texas again. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez

Member of Congress