Statement from Bishop James A. Tamayo- first bishop of the Diocese of Laredo- regarding Rosa Maria Hernandez, immigrant child with cerebral palsy

26 October 2017

On October 25, federal immigration authorities detained 10-year-old Rosa Maria Hernandez after receiving emergency gall bladder surgery in Corpus Christi. Border Patrol stopped the ambulance on a routine inspection while they passed the check-point in Freer. Authorities escorted the ambulance to Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Once the surgery was complete, she was transported to a detention facility. Rosa Maria has now been placed in a refugee resettlement for migrant children in San Antonio.

The local Catholic Church, through Catholic Charities-Diocese of Laredo, stands ready to assist Rosa Maria and the Hernandez family with immigration support.

I hope more people of goodwill will recognize that mercy must be given to the poor and vulnerable who are in our midst. May our merciful God protect Rosa Maria and reunite her with her family.