A Tragic Crime in Our Community.
As I write this, my heart is heavy from the reality of a horrible crime that has had a significant impact on our community. The sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl was committed by two males, Fernando Martinez-Rivera and Roberto Acosta-Lemuz, both undocumented Honduran immigrants. These males enticed a little girl into their rented Abilene home on Anson Avenue, where they conducted this heinous sexual attack on her. Martinez-Rivera received an 18-year prison sentence for her actions, while Acosta-Lemuz was condemned to 15 years earlier this year.
The Problem of Illegal Immigration
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 the age of 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 seems like a free pass for people who entered our nation illegally and then perpetrated such a heinous crime.
This is not about vilifying all immigrants; rather, it is about ensuring that those who enter America do so legitimately and in accordance with our laws. 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 Victims and Learning from Tragedy
The victim in this case was an innocent child whose life had been irreversibly affected. My heart goes out to her and her family as they deal with the repercussions of this terrible experience. As we reflect on this unfortunate instance, I hope it serves as a wake-up call to address the underlying flaws that caused it to occur. 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.
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