BNHR Statement on the Re-Introduction of the Homeland Security Improvement Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 28, 2021
CONTACT:
Alia El-Assar | alia@communicationsshop.us
Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), joined by Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), re-introduced the Homeland Security Improvement Act which, if passed, will increase transparency, accountability, and oversight of DHS agencies and law enforcement at the U.S. southern border, the nation’s New Ellis Island. Below is a statement from Fernando García, executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR), on the bill’s re-introduction:
“The Homeland Security Improvement Act would provide many critical overhauls to immigration enforcement at the U.S. border, which are long overdue. Border communities have advocated for these changes for years, including annual reviews of ICE and CBP training protocols, body camera requirements, and the creation of an independent and neutral Border Oversight Panel. Federal immigration officers and agencies are accountable to the people, and American values and human rights must be reflected in our nation’s policies and practices. The re-introduction of this legislation is one of the first steps to building the New Ellis Island at our southern border, and we support Congresswoman Escobar’s efforts to bring oversight and accountability to border enforcement. We urge Congress to act in the best interest of our communities, economy, and nation as a whole and pass this bill.”
The Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR), founded in 1998, is one of the leading human rights advocacy and immigration reform organizations in the U.S. BNHR has over 7,000 members in West Texas and Southern New Mexico.
