2020 presidential candidate Julián Castro got some press Monday for escorting a group of LGBTQ and disabled asylum-seekers across the border. According to the Los Angeles Times, though, all of them had tried to cross with a lawyer previously and had been sent back by the Border Patrol.

Julián Castro escorts LGBTQ and disabled asylum seekers across Mexican border https://t.co/EfSkdoM600 — Los Angeles Times (@latimes) October 7, 2019

The Los Angeles Times reports:

Presidential candidate Julián Castro on Monday escorted a group of asylum seekers across the border bridge to his native Texas from Mexico, where they had been sent under the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” policy. Walking across the bridge with Castro were nine gay and lesbian asylum seekers from Cuba, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as a deaf Salvadoran woman and her three relatives. All had earlier tried to cross here with a lawyer after being returned to Mexico to await court hearings, and all had been sent back by U.S. Customs officers. Some had already waited four months. The asylum seekers said they knew they were taking a risk: They could be returned to Mexico or placed in long-term detention.

They were right about the possibility of being sent back to Mexico:

BREAKING: We just heard the terrible news that all 12 of our clients escorted by @JulianCastro were sent back to Mexico. This is of course a mockery of due process. Here is our statement on the matter:#LetThemIn — Texas Civil Rights Project (@TXCivilRights) October 7, 2019

The 12 asylum seekers our attorneys, advocates, and Secretary Julian Castro escorted to the Gateway International Bridge of Matamoros and Brownsville this morning have been sent back into Mexico. — Texas Civil Rights Project (@TXCivilRights) October 7, 2019

Their claims to exemptions to the “Remain in Mexico” policy have been rejected by Brownsville CBP, who have broad discretion over the matter. — Texas Civil Rights Project (@TXCivilRights) October 7, 2019

Oh well, Castro got the photo he needed.

Julián Coyote — Blake Bye (@blakebye) October 7, 2019

The blow to the rule of law was an elected representative breaking the law by engaging in human trafficking. — Mark Alexander (@MarkACumberland) October 8, 2019

Julian Castro STILL not indicted for people smuggling. Indeed, he mocks the law every day he's free. — Exasperated5 (@Exasperated5) October 7, 2019

Tell them to apply for asylum at an embassy or consulate — B6 (@LEMONADE1992) October 8, 2019

Womp womp — Deathless (@Deathless__1) October 7, 2019

12 sounds like a good start. — Michael (@MBlake1771) October 8, 2019

That's how it should be. You don't get to decide whether or not they're accepted. Courts do, and yes, they can stay right there until their day comes. We tried playing the game their way. They broke the law. Now, it's our turn. You can wait for your day somewhere else — Tom W. (@twhiting9275) October 8, 2019

Excellent news. — Throttled (@Bmtgg4) October 8, 2019

He should have never brought them here!! — ??Laura?? (@flasunshine929) October 8, 2019

@JulianCastro is already "stunning and brave" and no longer needs them. — Creep_Acct (@AcctCreep) October 7, 2019

The mockery of process was @JulianCastro openly defying federal laws. The same laws he was elected to enforce for EVERYONE. — JR (@jjreffy) October 8, 2019

Fantastic news. — Orlando Maltravers (@RobertKYarbro) October 7, 2019

Gladly trade one of these illegals for Julian Castro. — Goldens Rule (@jamesbranch3) October 8, 2019

Obama said not to come here. — beachlover (@DBeachlover) October 8, 2019

We appreciate the great news.? — Clegane (@TheBloodyHounds) October 8, 2019

Nice stunt. Bye Felicia. — gavriel predescu (@GaviPredescu) October 8, 2019

Sounds like things are finally improving at the border. — Mittens the Toxic Kitten (@MittensAdorable) October 8, 2019

Great news that the rule of law was upheld and upended a stupid political stunt! — Gary HokieHawk (@grsvt81) October 7, 2019

Our asylum process is being abused. People like you are making a mockery of it. — Legal Immigrant 1776 (@1776Legal) October 8, 2019

Bye — Never Vote Democrat ??? ن (@questionLibs) October 8, 2019

Dear illegals, democrats don’t care about you. It’s just politics. — Don of All ??? (@damm35) October 8, 2019

We don't want open borders. Sorry. — Jim King (@jimking1001) October 8, 2019

Send Julian with them. — CM (@bulldogfan26) October 8, 2019

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