In a press conference on Tuesday, GOP Senators John Barrasso, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Pete Ricketts strongly criticized the Biden administration’s border policies, warning that the country is at an increased threat for a terrorist attack. The senators, who had recently visited the southern border, expressed their concerns about the open border policy and its potential security implications. Barrasso, the Senate Republican Conference chairman, stated, “We have just returned from our southern border, and it is painfully clear that with Joe Biden’s open border policy, our country is really at an increased threat for a terrorist attack.” He further claimed that Border Patrol agents had seized immigrants carrying explosive devices tailored for terrorism.
Cruz, who has led several groups of lawmakers to southwest Texas, echoed Barrasso’s concerns, stating that Border Patrol agents are frustrated because they risk their lives catching dangerous individuals only to see them released and caught again the next day. He also highlighted the issue of minors being accompanied by older men, raising doubts about their actual relationship and pointing out that preferential treatment is given to those who arrive as a family unit.
Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed during a hearing in the Senate Homeland Committee that there were over 600,000 known “gotaways” at the border in fiscal year 2023. The Biden administration has requested an additional $14 billion in funding for border operations, including processing, support for states and communities, additional agents, transportation, and non-custodial housing options. However, Republican lawmakers argue that this funding request will only speed up asylum processing without addressing the root problem of flowing migrants and suggest restoring Title 42, a COVID-19-era provision that allowed for faster expulsion of illegal entrants.
The issue of border security has become increasingly contentious, with Border Patrol releasing over 900,000 illegal immigrants into the interior of the United States in fiscal year 2023, including more than 150,000 in September alone. These individuals were primarily given a notice to appear in court, often with dates years in the future. As Congress prepares to negotiate a supplemental funding package, GOP lawmakers, including Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, are pushing for tighter border security provisions.
It is essential to note that this article presents the perspective of Republican senators who criticize the Biden administration’s border policies. The claims regarding explosive devices and preferential treatment should be verified through independent sources. The issue of border security remains a highly debated topic in US politics, with Democrats arguing for a more humane approach to immigration and Republicans advocating for stricter measures.
