As I write this, the reality of a horrific crime that has profoundly affected our community weighs heavily on my heart. Fernando Martinez-Rivera and Roberto Acosta-Lemuz, two undocumented Honduran immigrants, committed the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. These males enticed a little girl into their rented Abilene home on Anson Avenue, where they conducted this heinous sexual attack on her. For her actions, Martinez-Rivera received an 18-year prison sentence, while Acosta-Lemuz received a 15-year sentence earlier this year.
The Problem with Illegal Immigration
This Article Includes
When we use the terms “illegal” or “undocumented,” we mean those who have already violated the law by entering the United States without permission. This crime is just another example of the tragedies that occur when our immigration system fails to safeguard our communities. I am convinced that the growing incidence of violent sex crimes in Texas and the Southern United States is due, in part, to the unrestrained influx of undocumented immigrants crossing our borders unlawfully.
Public Safety Concerns
This is more than just an immigration issue; it is also about public safety. These individuals, both over 18 and thus deemed adults under Texas and federal law, committed a heinous crime that is impossible to comprehend. Nonetheless, they will spend the next 15 to 18 years in an American prison, with taxpayers footing the expense for their housing, meals, and medical treatment. This appears to be a lenient punishment for individuals who illegally entered our country and then committed such a heinous crime.
A Call for Legal Immigration
Ensuring that immigrants enter America legally and legally is not about vilifying all immigrants. Our system should reward people who obey the rules, rather than those who break them and cause harm to our families and communities.
The Impact on Communities
As a Texan, I’ve witnessed directly how our communities bear the weight of these failures. Crimes like this one serve as a clear reminder of the critical need to address the core causes of illegal immigration. To avoid tragedies like these in the future, I believe our government must prioritize border security and immigration enforcement.
Supporting the Victim and Learning from Tragedy
In this case, the victim was an innocent child whose life had suffered irreversibly. My heart goes out to her and her family as they deal with the repercussions of this terrible experience. As we contemplate this unfortunate incident, I hope it serves as a reminder to address the underlying flaws that led to its occurrence. We must do better for our children and the safety of our communities.
In conclusion, we are all Americans, and many of us reading this are proud Texans. We welcome individuals who want to join our Texas community and embrace our Texas ideals with open arms. However, let us all work together to safeguard our families, communities, and our beautiful country.