Immigration was the focus at a town hall hosted by Congressman Antonio Delgado in Catskill Monday night.
He, along with several representatives, visited the southern border on Friday amid U.S. inspector general concerns about overcrowding and living conditions for detainees.
Congressman Delgado’s experience visiting border facilities in Texas was still at the top of his mind as he spoke to constituents back in New York's 19th district.
“We have a crisis on our hands, no doubt about it," the congressman said.
Delgado joined a group of lawmakers Friday to see firsthand the conditions in which immigrants seeking asylum are being held.
“Tight quarters, huddled up. You see families on the ground just waiting to figure out what’s next," Delgado said.
The DHS lists 11 deaths since 2018 and an upward trend in detention population of as many as 50,000 detainees on average per day, nationwide.
“Keep in mind, these facilities are not designed to hold individuals for longer than 24 or 48 hours," said the congressman.
Delgado and and other lawmakers are urging President Donald Trump to consider other housing options to alleviate overcrowding.
“They can go to the Catholic Charities to stay while until they are able to go to the communities that they want to live in," he said.
There has been some backlash after the House passed a $4.6 billion bipartisan bill to provide funds to detention centers. Delgado argues the money is being used to improve conditions there.
“I was at the border. I saw the steps that have been taken, I saw the showers that were built and the food and hot meals being provided," Delgado said.
He also pointed out those funds address just part of a complex issue that needs to be solved.