We need to talk about why children are being detained in Texas, and Greg Abbott’s role in making it possible. Texas is home to the nation’s only two immigration detention centers currently holding children with their parents: Dilley and Karnes. Both are operated by private prison companies that profit from the detention of families, including young children. And both companies have contributed to Greg Abbott’s political campaigns. According to campaign finance records compiled by Gina Hinojosa’s campaign, GEO Group, which operates Karnes, has contributed $77,500 to Abbott. CoreCivic, which operates Dilley, contributed another $5,000. That’s at least $82,500 in campaign contributions from companies that make money detaining immigrant families. And the financial connections are only part of the story. In 2015, after a federal court ruling threatened the ability of these facilities to detain children, Abbott’s administration created a special licensing category for family detention centers, allowing them to apply for licenses without meeting the standards required of ordinary childcare facilities. The companies operating those facilities had contributed a combined $55,000 to Abbott’s campaign before that decision. Private prison companies profit from detaining children. Greg Abbott’s political campaigns have benefited from their contributions. And his administration took action to help keep these detention facilities operating. The governor’s office has significant authority over state licensing decisions involving facilities that house children. Abbott has exercised that authority before, including in 2021, when he revoked state licenses for shelters housing unaccompanied immigrant children. Gina Hinojosa has pledged to use the power of the governor’s office to fight family detention in Texas. These political decisions have had real, devastating consequences for children like Sofia, her siblings, and countless other families. I’m grateful that Adela and Sofia are finally home, but no child should have to endure what they experienced. On November 3, we have an opportunity to demand accountability and elect leaders who will fight to protect children instead of facilitating their detention. Vote for the children who cannot vote for themselves. Sources: Gina Hinojosa for Texas Governor (campaign finance research, January 2026); The Texas Tribune (October 22, 2015, and May 4, 2016). - @attorneygoldfinch