WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) on Tuesday wrote a letter to the White House and FEMA, urging the Biden Administration to approve Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a statewide emergency disaster declaration. The emergency declaration request comes in response to the thousands of migrants who are currently awaiting processing by border patrol at the International Bridge in Del Rio.

Read the full letter here.

“Although the State of Texas has been proactive in committing its own resources to this emergency, the federal government is primarily responsible for border security, and federal engagement is critical to bring relief to our southern border,” said the letter. “This is a national security issue and a humanitarian crisis that is visible on an international scale. To prevent it from spiraling further out of control, I urge you to take immediate action to approve Governor Abbott’s request for an emergency disaster declaration.”