(Editor’s Note: Abilenian Nancy Rangel, a retired elementary school teacher and mother of two, handwrote the following letter and mailed it to all 100 senators. She added her voice to those of others who protested the inhumane separation of mothers and children at the border.)

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,

This is the United States of America, a nation of immigrants. We are supposed to be the best and the brightest nation on earth–the best, the strongest, the most compassionate, the most trustworthy, the bravest, the kindest. We have failed. The practice of taking children away from their parents must end. The practice of housing children in tents and jail-like conditions must be stopped. The practice of treating any person as less than another cannot continue. This is the United States of America. Shame on us.

Nancy Rangel
Abilene, Texas