Texas's 27th Congressional District: Candidates' stance on separating immigrant children

Both Republican Michael Cloud and Democrat Eric Holguin have come out against immigrant children being separated from their parents on the southern border.

Holguin first called on Cloud to join him Sunday in denouncing the Trump administration's separation of families on the border as a result of its "zero tolerance policy."

"The ripping of 2,000 children from their parent's arms is something everyone should be against — regardless of political affiliation," Holguin posted on Facebook.

The Department of Homeland Security has said through the end of May, nearly 2,000 children were separated from their parents or guardians, according to USA Today.

In a statement late Tuesday, Cloud said a solution can be reached that keeps families together while still upholding the law.

"So I'm glad attention is finally being given to the issues on our Southern border," he said in the statement. "We need to find a solution that keeps the family unit together without compromising on enforcing our law."

Cloud said that fixing the country's "broken immigration system" has been a major focus of his campaign from the get-go. He previously said the judicial process needs to be examined.

More: Department of Homeland Security: Nearly 2,000 children have been separated from adults at the U.S. border

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In the Sunday Facebook post, Holguin said "the human rights violations that are occurring on our borders right now is reprehensible, inhumane, and against everything that we as Americans stand for today."

"When our children and grandchildren look back on our history, they will be asking 'Why?' we terrorized children," the post states. "Now is our opportunity to unite to speak out."

Cloud and Holguin have secured a place on the November ballot for Texas' 27th Congressional District. Libertarian Daniel Tinus has also announced he plans to run.

They also are currently in a special election to fill the remainder of former Rep. Blake Farenthold's term, who resigned earlier this year. There are nine candidates total in that race. Early voting in that race is ongoing.

Cloud said he is "encouraged by a number of solutions that are already coming forth to deal with the crisis at the border."

"I'm ready to champion change as someone whose family has experienced the immigration process firsthand," Cloud said.

More: For Eric Holguin, Michael Cloud it's a battle on the ballot again (and again) for Congress

More: Texas's 27th Congressional District: Early voting guide to fill Blake Farenthold's seat

Holguin, who called the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" immigration policy "disgusting," told the Caller-Times Tuesday his goal is to have immigration reform that prioritizes asylum for women, children and families.

"But right now what we're seeing from the current administration is just no one south of the border is allowed into this country, and ... we don't want to hear why you want to come into this country," Holguin said.

In the immediate, Holguin said it's about keeping families together and Congress passing legislation directing the Department of Homeland Security to not separate families.

He pointed to the Keep Families Together Act. Every Senate Democrat is now a co-sponsor on the legislation, which according to USA Today would prohibit the separation of children from their parents within 100 miles of the border, with the exception of instances of abuse, neglect or other specific circumstances.

"The fact that we have to just pass a law to say 'alright keep the mother and kids and parents altogether,' it's unfortunate," Holguin said. "Because we should have an administration that has the sense of humanity in telling them don't separate the kids."

Republicans and Democrats alike have condemned the separating of families.

House Speaker Joe Straus, a Republican, said in a letter to Trump Tuesday that the images and reports of children being taken away from their parents are of "grave concern" to him.

More: Texas Speaker to Trump: Stop separating immigrant children from families

"I know that members of Congress from both parties have proposed various ways to address this issue in the form of legislation, and while I applaud their attention to the problem, I also know that congressional action often does not come quickly," he wrote.

"In order to at least begin addressing this issue, there is no need to wait for Congress to act," the letter continues. "That's why I respectfully ask that you move immediately to rescind the policy that General Sessions announced in April and any other policies that have led to an increase in family separations at the border."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.