Pimentel: La Joya incident is an isolated case that has caused a great deal of misinformation

The recent actions and statements of state and local leaders restricting the ability to assist and care for recently-arrived immigrant families fills me with great sadness.In these difficult times, when so many are struggling, our work as a community must be one of treating all human life with compassion. It is more vital now than ever to follow the example of our savior Jesus Christ who noted: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me… I was sick and you looked after me…” (Mt 25:35).Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV) with the support and partnership of our exceptional community in McAllen and the greater Rio Grande Valley, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have worked tirelessly to provide humanitarian assistance to the many immigrant families who have been given permission to be in the United States.The families we assist at the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas, have been released from federal custody and arrive at our shelter through daily coordination with CBP, the city and local community volunteers and CCRGV staff.Throughout the pandemic we have taken extra precautions so that our local community is safe. We, in collaboration with city and county officials, established COVID testing facility. Our effort has been to test every person released in the community. Thankfully we have seen a low percentage of immigrants testing COVID positive. Nevertheless, this is a concern for us, as staff, as community members and as people of faith concerned about the well-being of all human life.Editor's Note: The above commentary forms the beginning of a guest column penned by Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Click here to read the guest column in full. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.