Sen. Schatz Visits Southern Border, Evaluates Conditions

US Senator Brian Schatz visits border facilities. PC: courtesy office of US Sen. Brian Schatz.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawai‘i toured southern border facilities in McAllen, Texas on Friday with a 13-member Senate Democratic delegation.

The delegation visited Border Patrol facilities, as well as a Catholic respite center that is providing aid to asylum seekers. The senators also met with local NGOs who have been providing assistance and legal aid to families fleeing violence.

“What I saw was awful. People are being held in overcrowded quarters and unable to shower for days. Many are suffering from trauma and some aren’t receiving the care they need. It’s inhumane,” said Sen. Schatz. “These people are all fleeing violence and seeking refuge. This is not how we should be treating them,” he said.