[Editor’s note: Updated, 4:02 p.m., to include statement from Rep. Richard Hudson.]

A majority of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, Republicans and Democrats, has spoken out against the separation and detainment of unaccompanied minors at the U.S.-Mexico border. None has supported the Trump administration’s family-separation policy.

Though the state’s members of Congress support potential legislative fixes, they haven’t unified behind one remedy.

Carolina Journal contacted each North Carolina congressional office on the issue. The statements we received follow:

  • “We should not be separating children migrants from their families. Congress can take action to provide better long-term certainty and consistency on this issue in a way that does not incentivize unauthorized border crossings. Our nation is long-overdue for commonsense immigration reform, particularly when it comes to providing a path to naturalization for DACA recipients and securing our borders. I believe we can strike the right balance between being compassionate — especially towards children who were brought here through no fault of their own — and also being smart by taking steps needed to prevent future illegal immigration.” – Sen. Thom Tillis, Republican.
  • “Congressman Butterfield believes President Trump’s family separation policy runs counter to American values and is immoral and inhumane. Congressman Butterfield supports measures in Congress that would prevent the separation of families.  Last week, 150 Members of Congress, including Congressman Butterfield, introduced a House Resolution 927 (H. Res. 927) condemning the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy and identifying the policy as child abuse. … Democrats in the House of Representatives, including Congressman Butterfield, will introduce the Keep Families Together Act. The bill aims to prohibit Department of Homeland Security officials from separating children from their parents, except in extraordinary circumstances. The bill would also limit criminal prosecutions of parents who are seeking asylum.” – Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-1st District.
  • “Nobody likes separating children from their mothers and fathers. There must be a better way to handle this problem. The House is voting this week on two bills aimed to end family separation while curbing illegal immigration. We should stop the political howling and find a solution quickly.” Rep. George Holding, R-2nd District.
  • “The Trump administration’s policy of separating immigrant children from their parents at our nation’s border is a cruel and deliberate practice designed to sow fear and panic in migrant communities. This policy has already separated more than 2,000 children from their parents and is the direct result of an administration action which can be reversed at any time, contrary to the President’s lies. I recently cosponsored House Resolution 927, which correctly condemns this policy as a form of child abuse, as well as the HELP Separated Children Act (HR 5950), which provides these children with protections and establishes humane protocols for DHS officers interacting with these children. No matter your political affiliation, we can all agree that we should not subject children and parents to the trauma of being separated. Trump’s “zero-tolerance” policy is an affront to the values we hold as Americans, and we must do everything we can to put an end to it immediately.” – Rep. David Price, D-4th District.
  • “I passionately believe that the family is the firm foundation of society and that each child has boundless potential and opportunity. Since 1997, the long-enforced border policies of temporary family separation are a heart-rending example of our broken immigration system. At the same time, our border continues to be an open door for immoral drug and human trafficking, leaving our law enforcement officers with a next to impossible task. Earlier this year, I was asked to be a leader in House discussions to find solutions that show compassion, while upholding the rule of law and keeping American families safe. This week, the House will vote on two pieces of immigration legislation, both of which will end family separation and curb all forms of illegal immigration, while prioritizing our national security. We can do better and we should do better.” – Rep. Mark Walker, R-6th District.
  • “I support President Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance policy, but we can do it without separating children from their families and we need to find that path. We can and should be tough on securing the border and stopping illegal immigration, but we can be tough without being cruel.” – Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8th District.
  • “The reports of children being separated from their parents at immigration detention centers are awful to see. I share President Trump’s belief that this policy needs to be changed. This week, the House will begin work on legislation that addresses this issue. I’m hopeful that Congress can work in a bipartisan fashion to bring an end to this misguided policy.” – Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-10th District.
  • “[I am] 100 percent supportive of keeping families together. Most of my constituents are pro-family constituents who believe keeping a family unit together is always best.” – Rep. Mark Meadows, R-11th District.
  • “The people of my district have been vocal in their opposition to President Trump’s policy of separating families at the border. Instead of helping those tired, poor, and huddled masses who yearn to breathe free, Trump is stripping them of their freedom and tearing families apart. Trump has attempted to deflect responsibility by blaming Democrats for a law that does not exist and would not find support from me or most of my colleagues. Since this is not a law, but an administrative decision, President Trump has it within his power to bring an end to this unjust and inhumane policy. I’m calling on President Trump to immediately abandon his separation policies. In the event he forsakes his moral obligation to act, I am calling on my Republican colleagues in Congress to do something to end this illegal practice. House Republicans must put forth viable and comprehensive immigration reform now.” – Rep. Alma Adams, D-12th District.
  • “I am in no way in favor of separating families at our southern border and will work with my colleagues to find a quick resolution to this matter. To me, the problem we have on our hands is the result of a larger broken immigration system that for far too long has gone unaddressed. In no developed country should you be able to illegally cross a border without any ramifications. But due to the previous administration’s amnesty agenda, it has unfortunately incentivized more illegal immigration. That being said, our country’s immigration needs real reform, not just a band-aid fix. Our recent policies, such as “catch-and-release,” lack of legitimate interior enforcement, and sanctuary cities have incentivized more illegal immigration. Smart policy would do the opposite.” – Rep. Ted Budd, R-13th District.

At press time, Sen. Richard Burr’s office hadn’t provided comment. The offices of Reps. Walter Jones, R-3rd; Virginia Foxx, R-5th; David Rouzer, R-7th; and Robert Pittenger, R-9th, did not respond to CJ inquires.

N.C. State University political science professor Andy Taylor says there’s a lot of pressure on members of Congress in competitive districts, such as Budd’s. Republicans who oppose the administration’s policy must weigh how much bucking the president could cost them among Trump’s base, and — if they win — in the next session of Congress. Budd, a freshman, will face Democratic opponent Kathy Manning, who reportedly has a fundraising advantage.

Meadows, leader of the House Freedom Caucus, introduced Tuesday the “Equal Protection of Unaccompanied Minors Act.” A press release stated the bill would ensure accompanied minors of illegal immigrants would not be separated from their families or guardians while in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security. Federal agencies also would be directed to retain better information about unaccompanied minors detained at the border.

Meadows promoted the bill as a balance of competing immigration concerns.

“We need to better enforce our immigration laws, but we can do so while keeping parents and children together,” Meadows said. “I believe my bill will help do that. I look forward to working with my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, to find a compromise where we can solve this issue together.”

Meredith College political science professor David McLennan told CJ the president will decide whether a potential fix goes through.

“[I]t is unclear whether President Trump may support a bill that does not contain funding for the [border] wall, which he continues to insist is necessary to curb the immigration problem,” McLennan said.

McLennan also said Meadows’ bill may not pass the House because of limits placed on asylum seekers entering the country, a potential deal killer for Democrats.

“Meadows’ bill is one of many that try to address the current crisis,” McLennan explained. “The problem is that when there are so many ideas about how to fix a problem that none of them may get the support needed to become law.”

Taylor also said resolving the border detention and family separation issues won’t settle differences on immigration policy.

“It’s symptomatic of a broken down system,” Taylor said. “We need broader reform.”