Dr. Dobson Tours Border: Christian Leaders Describe Migrant Crisis as a "Human Tragedy"
Andrea Morris : Jun 27, 2019
CBN News
"Ten years ago, 90 percent of illegals apprehended at the border were single males, mainly from Mexico. Now, more that 50 percent show up with babies and children. Together, they claim to be 'families' and within three weeks, they will be home free in America. Is there any doubt why there have been more than half a million illegal immigrants this year alone?" -Dr. James Dobson
(McAllen, TX) — [CBN News] Some evangelical leaders are speaking out in support of funding for immigrant families at the border detention facilities. (Image: Dr. James Dobson/via CBN News)
Dr. James Dobson was recently invited by White House staff to tour a border patrol facility in McAllen, Texas.
Over 5,000 people arrive at the southern US border every day and McAllen is one of the busiest areas. Dobson describes the conditions of a holding area at the facility as the most heart-wrenching of places.
"Some of the kids have been abused along the way. Many of them carry lice, scabies and other diseases. The facility is experiencing a flu epidemic, and there are no additional beds," he said.
While walking along a fenced-in area at the facility, Dr. Dobson noticed a group of gaunt young immigrant men. A border patrol agent asked if he'd like to talk to them and offered to translate.
"Please tell them that God loves them. Now tell them that I love them, too. They smiled and waved backed timidly," Dobson writes in a newsletter provided to CBN News.
Meanwhile, the crisis at the border only continues to escalate. A shocking new image of a dead father and daughter is making headlines, showing the danger faced by migrants crossing illegally into America.
The 23-year-old father and his young daughter drowned in the Rio Grande this week. A reporter named Julia Le Duc says the father had placed the girl on the US shore before going back for her mother. The little girl then jumped in after her dad as he swam away, and both were swept away by the currents.
Meanwhile, the conditions of the overwhelmed border detention facilities are finally on Congress' radar. Lawmakers have been debating ways to improve the treatment of these families being held in government processing centers after they cross from Mexico into the US.
Border patrol stations are holding 15,000 people right now—almost four times their capacity of 4,000.
"Agents have to work fast because another group will be showing up soon, and then another and another," Dr. Dobson said.
Last week a team of human rights lawyers found 300 children in one facility, with inadequate food, water and sanitation.
Southern Baptist spokesman Russell Moore said the report should "shock all of our consciences."
Dona Abbott, an official with Bethany Christian Services, said the agency's case workers found reading the report to be very emotional.
Bethany currently has 100 beds available in foster homes for these children, but is waiting on Congress to approve funding.
"It's difficult to know that we have families eager to welcome these children and care for them while they wait to be reunited with their families," Abbott said.
"And I hope that all of the officials making decisions about the supplemental funding, all of our legislators were equally impacted by that story and equally motivated to move forward," she added.
Dr. Dobson explains, "Ten years ago, 90 percent of illegals apprehended at the border were single males, mainly from Mexico. Now, more that 50 percent show up with babies and children."
"Together, they claim to be 'families' and within three weeks, they will be home free in America. Is there any doubt why there have been more than half a million illegal immigrants this year alone?" he added.
The House passed a $4.5 billion bill aimed at easing the humanitarian crisis on the southern border Tuesday night.
It provides funding for food, water and shelter for migrants crossing the border. It also calls for stronger measures to care for children in US custody.
The White House says the House bill is missing important elements and is threatening to veto the measure, saying the Senate version is better because it also strengthens security at the border.
All this comes as new Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan takes over today.
Former commissioner John Sanders announced his resignation Tuesday.
"The agents are openly hated by citizens who resent the work they do. They are routinely vilified and mocked and demonized. Their families are also subjected to ridicule. These agents need our appreciation and prayers. They have one of the most thankless jobs in America," Dr. Dobson concludes. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here