Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday sent a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris demanding that the Biden government close housing for child migrants following allegations of child abuse.
In the letter, Abbott includes a memorandum by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission outlining examples of child abuse and neglect.
TEXAS GOV. ABBOTT BLAMES PRESENTED AS FINDINGS DEVELOP OF SEXUAL ATTACK ON CHILD MIGRANT FACILITY
“The state of Texas previously warned about overcrowded conditions at these facilities, and now these conditions have led to allegations of child abuse and neglect,” Abbott said in the letter. “Our repeated warnings and questions are being ignored by President Biden, yourself and the Department of Homeland Security Mayorkas.”
“In your role as Border Tsar, you have a duty to these children and the American people to act immediately,” he added.
Biden’s administration said it would not close the San Antonio facility, and White House press secretary Jen Psaki said there was ‘no basis’ for Abbott’s claims, despite allegations of sexual assault.
The Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement late Friday:
“HHS takes its humanitarian mission seriously and while unaccompanied migrant children are under our supervision, we strive to provide a safe space while undergoing immigration procedures, but HHS has a zero tolerance policy for all forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and inappropriate sexual conduct at all UC provider facilities.We will continue to investigate incidents affecting the health, well-being and safety of children, and will take the necessary measures, including disciplinary action, termination and reporting to appropriate investigative bodies, such as law enforcement agencies and appropriate licensing bodies. ‘
Abbott announced Wednesday that two different Texas government agencies have filed complaints about four different types of child abuse. He outlined the concerns in his letter to the vice president.
“The complaints include allegations of sexual assault, a shortage of staff to supervise the children in the facility, and that the children in the facility do not eat all day,” the letter reads. “The complaints also allege that children who have COVID-19 are exposed to other children.”
Abbott angrily condemned the lack of readiness of the Biden government for not only mass migration but also for the large number of unaccompanied minors who have crossed the border in recent weeks.
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“The crisis has gotten out of control and is getting worse by the minute,” Abbott claimed Friday.
March recorded the highest monthly intake of unaccompanied migrant children, with 18,890 new arrivals.
Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.