AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa and Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair Jessica Velasquez issued the following joint statement on Greg Abbott’s latest border distraction:

“Earlier this month, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the placement of razor wire fencing along the Texas-New Mexico border north of the Rio Grande near Sunland Park, NM. This is the latest Operation Lone Star stunt funded by the working Texas family’s tax-dollar that will result in environmental damage, community division and injuries of vulnerable migrants. It’s clear that Governor Abbott has no plans on actually addressing our broken immigration system head on — but instead adding more fuel to Operation Lone Star’s dumpster fire.

“New Mexico has some of the most humane, people-oriented immigration laws in the country. New Mexico Democratic leaders believe that everyone who comes to our country in pursuit of a better life, as an asylum-seeker or otherwise, deserves just and humane treatment, and the laws of New Mexico reflect those values. Greg Abbott knows that New Mexican neighbors are not the enemy, but is working overtime to gain Fox News airtime to cover up his proposed legislation t0 implement unpopular school voucher scams, imprison vulnerable migrants and their families, and his own Party’s public infighting. 

“Republicans everywhere think that harmful border stunts will serve as a distraction from the real issues facing working families in our country — but Democrats are more focused than ever to achieve comprehensive immigration protections so that our border communities and migrants are safe. Shame on Greg Abbott for using public tax dollars to uplift his dangerous approach to border security, and infringing upon Texans’ and New Mexicans’ right to move freely across state lines. Texas and New Mexico Democrats condemn Abbott’s razor wire fencing along our state borders, and call for its removal effective immediately.”

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