AUSTIN, TX — During yesterday's State of the State address, Governor Greg Abbott announced that he will meet with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, John F. Kelly, in the Rio Grande Valley today.

Since 2014, an unprecedented number of immigrants have streamed into South Texas. Cities, along with other government entities, law enforcement agencies, and community partners have provided food, shelter, transportation, and medical assistance to manage the influx.

Senator Hinojosa sent a letter to Governor Abbott to request that as he meets with Secretary Kelly, they discuss ways the federal government can provide immediate financial assistance to reimburse local taxpayers for the cost and sustainability of this humanitarian relief effort.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"Our region finds itself at the center of this humanitarian situation. To date, the cities of McAllen, Mission, Weslaco; the counties of Hidalgo and Willacy; and the Lower Rio Grande Development Council have expended over an estimated $800,000 in the dedication of resources and deployment of equipment.

The attention devoted by our local law enforcement and communities to deal with this federal issue diverts valuable resources from normal operations and on-going community concerns. Public, private, and non-profit resources have been stretched to the limit. We must ensure our local communities are reimbursed for his ongoing humanitarian situation."

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