Washington, DC – Today, Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) and Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) sent a letter to the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security expressing their concern regarding the ongoing repatriation of Haitian migrants and urge a humanitarian moratorium on these repatriations.

“[T]housands of Haitians and other migrants have arrived in Del Rio, Texas over the past week and are now seeking shelter in squalid conditions under a bridge,” wrote the Chairs. “Despite the Administration’s rapid deployment of personnel and resources in response to this crisis, much of the strategy to address the care of these vulnerable individuals is deeply concerning.”

“Specifically, we urge the Administration to halt repatriations to Haiti until the country recovers from these devastating crises. We are troubled by the plan to repatriate thousands of people to Haiti, despite the instability, violence, and devastation that continue to plague the country.”

In the letter, the Chairs also request more information on Haiti’s ability to welcome and resettle deportees and detailed information on the Federal government’s repatriation efforts.