LUBBOCK, Texas – A dozen protesters stationed themselves outside of Representative Jody Arrington’s office on Thursday morning demanding a change in border policies, specifically to stop the separation from parents and children.
“It’s heartless, imagine if it was your child,” said Pamela Sustaita, a protester. “This is not who we are, and we need our representatives to stop being a part of the machine and stand up for what is right.”
Representative Jody Arrington did not make an appearance, or communicate with protesters outside of his office. However, there was a sign posted to the door addressing the public to make “an appointment” if they wish to speak to him.
“A sign isn’t going to change our minds, every day he doesn’t do something is a day another child is separated,” said Cynthia Barrera, a protester. “I came from Mexico when I was young, and every day I think that could have been me.”
Arrington responded to our requests for a statement saying he did not know the protesters were meeting today. Despite understanding many of the protesters’ concerns, Arrington believes Texas needs to stay strong on border control.
“Nobody wants to separate children from their parents, nobody wants that,” Arrington said. “But the law clearly states children cannot stay with their parents when they commit a crime, and if they enter legally this would not be a problem.”
