:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-09-2021/t_5bc3ca5bf04d42969339ab18e218f7ea_name_Screen_Shot_2021_04_09_at_5_21_37_PM.png)
SAINT ANTHONY – Representative Joaquin Castro and other Texas lawmakers are calling for Gov. Greg Abbott to investigate allegations of sexual abuse, staffing and COVID-related concerns at the Freeman Coliseum shelter for unaccompanied children.
This comes after Castro and other state lawmakers visit Freeman’s facility Friday afternoon.
The visit came after Abbott held a press conference on Wednesday, highlighting the allegations, saying the complaints were “credible” and were being made from someone inside the facility.
The governor also said the complaints were filed with the Texas Commission on Human and Health Services and the Texas Department of Protection and Family Services.
Texas lawmakers said after their visit Friday, they saw a lot of staff and volunteers, about 1,900 children housed at the facility and that nothing seemed to match the governor’s allegations.
Announcements
Castro said if the governor’s claims are true, he also has a responsibility to investigate for himself.
“Governor Abbott made the allegations without ever going inside and visiting with the children. The governor did not care to look these people in the face, in the eyes, to see who they are and what they are about, “said Castro. “This is a special kind of cowardice.”
“His intention was to drop a political bomb. He is trying to use the issue of immigration as a wedge problem, ”Castro added. “The governor does not care about these children. He wants to send them where they came from ”.
SEE KSAT 12 news coverage at 6 a.m. below: Democratic lawmakers criticize Abbott for allegations of abuse at SA migrant facilities
This visit was the second time Castro visited Freeman’s facilities. He said that during his first visit, the shelter housed 900 children. As of Friday, he said the shelter now houses about 1,900 children.
Announcements
Castro also addressed the concerns of COVID-19, saying that so far there are 182 children out of 1,900 who have tested positive for COVID-19 at the facility.
Those who tested positive were separated from other children and showed minor symptoms, according to Castro. Children are also tested for the virus every three days.
Representative Trey Fischer also addressed the media after the visit and said he believed the governor was playing “piñata policy” with his recent allegations.
“The kids at this facility aren’t anyone’s political piñata … These kids aren’t here by choice,” Fischer said. “If there are complaints, we take them seriously and (Texas Health and Human Services) is the first to conduct an investigation. But for the governor to do this piñata policy and do little or nothing to support the claim … we have it. to take the maximum. “
Other lawmakers who visited the facility are Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, Representative Vikki Goodwin, Representative Christina Morales, Representative Ray Lopez, Representative Ann Johnson, Representative Elizabeth Campos and Representative Jasmine Crockett.
Announcements
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that it has received three service calls since Wednesday regarding allegations of sexual abuse at the Freeman Coliseum. The following is his statement:
“Since Wednesday, April 7, 2021, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has received three service calls regarding allegations of sexual abuse at Freeman College, where migrant children are currently detained. We are currently meeting with state and federal authorities to determine the best course of action regarding the management of investigations. In addition, although we do not manage the detention of children or day-to-day activities, we are very concerned about their safety and basic human rights. “
You can watch the full press conference on the video player above.
Copyright 2021 by KSAT – All rights reserved.