Dems and GOP should work together to end immigration crisis and support Border Patrol

I recently took an unpopular position for a Democratic member of Congress, in defiance of House leadership.

Before I voted for a bill that would set humanitarian standards for individuals in the custody of Customs and
Border Protection – legislation I believe in – I voted for a Republican “Sense of Congress” amendment. The amendment commended the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol “for continuing to carry out their duties in a professional manner.”

Though I was an outlier as a Democrat, I knew my vote in support of Border Patrol agents was the right thing to do, following my recent trip to the U.S.-Mexico border with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.

Last month I joined 16 other Democrats and Republicans on a trip that included visits to the border at the Rio Grande, as well as tours of a nonprofit care center for unaccompanied teenagers and an immigrant processing facility in McAllen, Texas.

The tours and opportunities to speak with immigrants and CBP agents were not only part of a fact-finding mission, but also a chance to learn more so we can work on bipartisan solutions to help address the humanitarian crisis.