In a discussion about hurricane shelters in Texas for Hurricane Harvey with network correspondent Kerry Sanders, MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle expressed her concern for the safety of illegal immigrants. She asked if they are allowed to use locations set up by the city for shelter from the storm and if they will be ID'd, putting them at risk for deportation.



"Can I ask, you might not know the answer but Texas, especially Southern Texas, has quite a few undocumented immigrants. Are they able to go to any of these centers that you're being directed to by city officials?" Ruhle asked Sanders.



"Not only is it wide open, nobody checks on any of that. But interestingly one of the things that has held people up in years past is animals. People don't want to leave because of their pets," Sanders answered.



Later, when Ruhle interviewed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), she once again asked about the welfare of illegal immigrants:







Ruhle was concerned that illegal immigrants were at risk for deportation if they sought shelter from the hurricane at state-sponsored evacuation shelters.



"How about the risk of deportation for those undocumented immigrants that could be in the way of the storm's path, are they in the clear to go to some of these evacuation centers? Do they have to show ID?" the MSNBC host asked Abbott.



"It's my understanding from what I saw from the border patrol instructions yesterday that it will not be an issue," the governor responded. "What everyone is focused on right now is ensuring all we can to protect life. We all have a high regard for life. We want to ensure the safety of all lives and we're prepared to take all measures to do so."