AUSTIN, Texas -- Calling the separation of families at the border “tragic and heartrending,” Gov. Greg Abbott urged Congress to address the crisis.

"This disgraceful condition must end; and it can only end with action by Congress to reform the broken immigration system," Abbott wrote in a letter dated June 19 to all members of the Texas delegation.

The letter did not mention President Donald Trump. Democrats and some Republicans have said he has the power to end the family separation policy. Wednesday, the President announced he would sign “something” to keep families together.

Abbott has faced pressure from both sides of the aisle to speak out against the policy and take state action to stop it.

Rep. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso, asked Abbott to cancel the deployment of the Texas National Guard to the border until the federal government stops the policy.

Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, called on Abbott to have the state provide facilities where families can be kept together while their immigration status is processed. He even offered to lead the charge to find private funds to pay for such facilities.

Meanwhile, Abbott’s Democratic opponent, Lupe Valdez, said if she was governor she would not quote "silently condone these vile practices."

Here’s a copy of Abbott’s letter to the Texas delegation: 

Abbott's letter to the Texas legislation by Spectrum News Texas on Scribd