Congressman Gonzalez Statement on Central American Migrants

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued the following statement in response to the administration's recent language regarding migrants travelling through Central America.

"The Administration is trying to paint some members of Congress as the culprits of this ‘migrant caravan' and past mass migration. However, I can personally attest to the falsity of this argument. I have travelled to these countries on bipartisan delegations, met with foreign leaders, and invited the executive branch to join the conversation on how to improve years of failed foreign policy in Central America.

Since coming to Congress, I have asserted that Mexico must protect its southern border and do more to stem irregular migration. Today, I call on Mexico to be a good neighbor and do just that.

Now is the time for action. Now is the time to say, ‘we can solve this issue before it arrives at our doorstep.' The U.S., and Mexico, need to strengthen the dialogue with every neighbor to the south and develop strategies to decrease gang violence, grow economies, and incentivize these individuals to live and flourish in their native countries.

If we fail to do this, we will be dealing with the same issue next year - and every year after - until we address this problem at its root."