PHARR, Texas - U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz says ICE raids at construction sites have caused a crisis for builders and she plans to do something about it.
The Edinburg Republican recently sat down for a panel discussion with the RGV Builders Association. On stage with her was Johnny Vasquez, executive officer of RGV Builders Association, and Sam Gilboard, federal legislative director for the National Association of Homebuilders.
Part of the discussion focused on the fact that builders are losing their workers due to the ICE raids and are thus unable to complete their projects.
Vasquez asked the congresswoman what she could do to help the situation within the next 30 days. De La Cruz said she does not need 30 days.
“Look, Johnny, I've already talked about what I've done in the last 30 days, specifically on this subject, as far as the crisis that is being experienced here in South Texas. I’m not even looking at 90 days. I'm looking about what are we doing today? The issue is today. The need is today. The crisis is today.
“Today. I was in a conference call with the Hispanic leadership… putting down our speaking points and garnering support for different pieces of legislation and policy adjustments that we want to talk about with the (House) Speaker this coming week.”
De La Cruz later said: “We're going to be hearing from the White House legislative team and other leaders within the Republican Conference, and (they are) giving us a platform to talk about this issue. That is happening now. We can't wait another 90 days. And I don't intend to wait 90 days.
“I think that the work that you have seen from me is that De La Cruz delivers. I’m a woman of my word, and when I say, I am appointed to be your voice for South Texas in Washington, D.C., I'm going to back that up. I've proven it, and I will continue to do it. Why? Because I'm honored to serve you. I'm honored to represent you, and I end up every single day thinking about how I'm going to improve the lives of those people who live here and improve the lives of each of you. Thank you.”
De La Cruz later gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian. She was asked to elaborate on her remarks about there being a crisis in the Valley. She was also asked what policy adjustments she wanted to see the Trump administration make. She was also asked whether she felt the need to apologize to the building industry for the ICE raids.
Here is what she had to say:
Here is an interview with Vasquez:
Here is an interview with Gilboard:
