Hispanic members of Congress want congressional leaders to invite Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to address a joint session of the House and Senate to strengthen the relationship between Mexico and the U.S.
"Recent statements and actions by the (Donald) Trump administration have damaged our nations' ties. It is absolutely critical that Congress reiterate the United States' commitment to our important ally Mexico," Congressional Hispanic Caucus leaders wrote, according to The Hill.
Caucus chairwoman Michelle Lujan-Grisham, as well as Sen. Bob Menendez and Reps. Joaquin Castro, Ruben Gallego, Pete Aguilar, and Norma Torres, all Democrats signed the letter.
"While the United States and Mexico have maintained a strong partnership over the past several decades, President Trump's recent comments and actions have threatened diplomatic relations between our countries," the letter read.
Menendez, in an email to The Hill, emphasized the importance of the request.
"Our histories, our cultures, our people are tied together and we owe it to ourselves to stand up and demonstrate that the United States still believes in building bridges and not walls."
Presidents Trump and Peña Nieto have had a tense relationship, including Peña Nieto canceling a meeting with Trump.
The letter asked the leaders to consult with Trump before issuing the invitation, The Hill said.
On Wednesday, Peña Nieto welcomed a group of 135 Mexican nationals that had been deported from the U.S. "You are not alone. Do not feel abandoned. The doors of your house will always be open," Peña Nieto told them, according to TeleSur TV.