Another Undocumented Texas Immigrant Is Given 18 Years in Prison

A Tragic Crime in Our Community

As I write this, my heart is heavy with the reality of a heinous crime that has deeply impacted our community. This crime, the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, was committed by two men, Fernando Martinez-Rivera and Roberto Acosta-Lemuz, both of whom were undocumented immigrants from Honduras. These men lured a young girl into their rented home in Abilene, located on Anson Avenue, where they committed this despicable sexual assault on the girl. For their actions, Martinez-Rivera was sentenced to 18 years in prison, while Acosta-Lemuz received a 15-year sentence earlier this year.

The Problem with Illegal Immigration

When we use the words “illegal” or “undocumented,” we are describing individuals who have already broken the law by entering the United States without authorization. This crime is yet another example of the tragedies that are unfolding when our immigration system fails to protect our communities. I strongly believe that the increasing number of violent sex crimes in Texas and the Southern United States can, in part, be attributed to the unchecked flow of undocumented individuals crossing our borders illegally.

Public Safety Concerns

This is not just a matter of immigration, it is a matter of public safety. These men, both over the age of 18 and therefore considered adults under Texas and federal law, have committed an act so vile that it’s difficult to comprehend. Yet, they will now spend the next 15 to 18 years in an American prison, where taxpayers will foot the bill for their housing, meals, and medical care. To me, this feels like a free ride for those who entered our country unlawfully and then committed such a grievous crime.

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A Call for Legal Immigration

This is not about vilifying all immigrants, it is about ensuring that those who come to America do so legally and with respect for our laws. Our system should reward those who follow the rules, not those who disregard them and then bring harm to our families and communities.

The Impact on Communities

As a Texan, I have seen firsthand how our communities bear the brunt of these failures. Crimes like this one are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address illegal immigration at its root. I believe that our leaders must prioritize securing our borders and enforcing immigration laws to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the first place.

Supporting the Victim and Learning from Tragedy

The victim in this case was an innocent child whose life has been irreparably altered. My heart goes out to her and her family as they navigate the aftermath of this unimaginable trauma. As we reflect on this tragic case, I hope it serves as a wake-up call to address the broader issues that allowed it to happen. For the sake of our children and the safety of our communities, we must do better.

In closing, we are all Americans, and many of us reading this are proud Texans. We welcome those who aspire to join our Texas community and adopt our Texas values with open hearts. However, let us work together to protect our families, our communities, and our great nation.