Immigration: Protect Kids. Defend Families.
The federal pause on legal services for unaccompanied migrant children is cruel and short-sighted. Texas must step up to protect vulnerable kids when Washington fails them.
The federal pause on legal services for unaccompanied migrant children is cruel and short-sighted. Texas must step up to protect vulnerable kids when Washington fails them.
The federal government has paused contracts providing legal services to thousands of unaccompanied migrant children. Let me be clear: these are kids. Children. Some as young as 5 years old who have traveled thousands of miles, often fleeing violence and poverty that most of us can't imagine.
Legal services cut for unaccompanied minors already in the system
Children forced to navigate complex immigration courts alone
Kids sent back to dangerous situations without proper legal review
Children separated from relatives already living safely in the US
As a Marine veteran, I learned that the strongest units are diverse units. But more importantly, I learned that we protect those who can't protect themselves. These children are some of the most vulnerable people on the planet. Abandoning them isn't just wrong—it goes against everything America is supposed to stand for.
"In the Marines, we have a saying: 'Leave no one behind.' That doesn't just apply to fellow Marines—it applies to anyone who can't protect themselves. These children are some of the most vulnerable people on the planet. Abandoning them isn't just wrong—it goes against everything America is supposed to stand for."
Texas hosts more unaccompanied migrant children than any other state. When the federal government fails these kids, the burden falls on us:
Thousands of kids in Texas detention facilities and foster care now have no legal representation to help them navigate complex immigration proceedings.
Immigration courts are already backlogged. Adding thousands of unrepresented children will make the system even slower and less fair.
When kids can't get proper legal help, they stay in state custody longer, costing Texas taxpayers millions while failing to protect vulnerable children.
Many of these children have relatives in Texas who could provide safe homes. Without legal help, family reunification becomes nearly impossible.
When Washington abandons its moral responsibility, Texas must step up. Here's my plan to protect these vulnerable children while securing our border:
Create Texas-funded legal assistance program for unaccompanied minors
Fast-track safe placement with vetted relatives in Texas
Work with established legal aid organizations to maximize resources
Secure borders while treating children with dignity and respect
This isn't about being "soft on immigration" or "open borders." This is about not abandoning children when they need help most.
I believe in secure borders. I believe in following the law. But I also believe that children deserve legal representation and basic human dignity. These aren't conflicting values—they're both part of what makes America great.
We are better than this. America has always been a beacon of hope for people fleeing violence and oppression. That doesn't mean we take everyone, but it does mean we don't abandon children to face deportation courts alone.
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