1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and opposition to the continued use and expansion of migrant detention centers at the Texas border. As a proud Texan, I believe in the values of compassion, dignity, and justice, which I fear are being undermined by current policies. Detaining migrants—many of whom are fleeing violence, persecution, and economic hardship—raises serious ethical and human rights concerns and risks repeating historical mistakes that have caused irreparable harm. Throughout history, the detention and dehumanization of vulnerable groups have had devastating consequences. For example, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a dark chapter in our nation’s history, driven by fear rather than justice. Those individuals, who had committed no crimes, were stripped of their liberty and subjected to inhumane conditions. These actions are now universally recognized as a grave injustice and a violation of fundamental rights. Similarly, the conditions in migrant detention centers today have been widely documented as falling below acceptable human rights standards. Reports of overcrowding, inadequate medical care, unsanitary environments, and the separation of families are deeply troubling. The United Nations has condemned such practices, emphasizing that they violate international human rights standards, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Texas has a rich tradition of welcoming diverse communities, and we should be leading the way in offering humane solutions to migration challenges. Instead of detention centers, I urge you to advocate for community-based alternatives, which have been shown to be more effective, less costly, and far more humane. These programs allow migrants to live with dignity while awaiting legal proceedings, reducing the long-term harm caused by detention. As my elected representative, I implore you to take a stand against the expansion of migrant detention centers and push for policies that respect human rights and uphold our nation's values. The way we treat the most vulnerable among us reflects who we are as a society. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to seeing your leadership in addressing this critical issue.