U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita suggested Tuesday that illegal immigrants crossing the southern border of the United States could pose a potential danger of spreading the deadly Ebola virus that has stricken parts of West Africa.
“The sudden spread of Ebola in Africa is merely one example of how we must take deliberate care to prevent an outbreak of any type of disease inside our borders,” Rokita said in a statement. “... Also, reports exist showing that our porous southern border is attracting children and adults from over 75 countries, not just three Central American nations. So far, it’s been said that the United States has found over 70 people from Ebola-stricken African countries entering our country from the southern border since January of this year.”
Rokita’s statement followed remarks he made in an interview with Indianapolis radio station WIBC on Monday, when he mentioned the Ebola threat while speaking of 245 immigrant children from Central America who are currently being housed in Indiana.
Referencing a conversation he said he had had with fellow U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-8th District, Rokita said:
“He (Bucshon) said, look, we need to know, just from a public health standpoint — with Ebola circulating and everything else, no that’s my addition to it, not necessarily his — but he said we need to know the condition of these kids, as well.”
Bucshon is a heart surgeon. His office quickly distanced Bucshon from Rokita’s comments Tuesday.