WASHINGTON— Today, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva sent a letter to President Trump and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Keven McAleenan urging them to allow humanitarian organizations, counties, and cities along the border access to funding to address the humanitarian crisis. The letter read in part:

“It’s perplexing that so much time and effort is spent decrying a crisis, that was created by your administration, yet so little money is invested into existing programs like community-based alternatives to detention that could help remedy it. That’s why I would like further details on the status of the $30.5 million allocated to the Department of Homeland Security’s budget in February for community-based alternatives to detention. This program saves taxpayer dollars and is proven to ensure that asylum seekers appear at their immigration court hearings.

“As these organizations, cities, and counties continue to fill the void left by this administration and the leadership crisis at DHS, time is of the essence. Furthermore, any additional funds allocated to provide humanitarian relief, should not be used for immigration enforcement, border wall construction or border security measures. I hope that you recognize this urgency and reply to this letter as soon as possible.”

Click here to read the full letter.

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