In a recent statement obtained by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, conservative former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have expressed their support for Speaker Mike Johnson’s aggressive stance on border security. The officials, including former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan, former acting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Mark Morgan, and former acting deputy Homeland Security Chief of Staff Lora Ries, assert that “weaponized mass illegal immigration” is causing significant harm to the economy, national security, and public safety.
These officials, who are visiting fellows at the Heritage Foundation and part of a coalition advocating for H.R. 2, argue that the proposed legislation must be included in any supplemental spending deal currently being negotiated in Congress. H.R. 2 aims to address various issues related to border security, including limits on asylum and releases, as well as the resumption of wall construction.
While talks are still ongoing between lawmakers in the Senate and the Biden administration, Republicans in both chambers are pushing for stricter limits on asylum and the use of humanitarian parole to prevent unauthorized releases. Senate Republicans have presented their own proposals, while many House Republicans insist on the inclusion of H.R. 2 in its entirety.
During a visit to the southern border, Speaker Johnson emphasized the importance of H.R. 2, stating that it contains provisions that effectively address the existing problems. He called on President Biden to prioritize national security in any supplemental spending bill.
The former DHS officials also expressed their support for the House Homeland Security Committee’s decision to initiate impeachment hearings against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. They believe that uniting behind H.R. 2 and holding Mayorkas accountable are imperative actions demanded by the American people.
However, Democrats in the Senate have rejected H.R. 2 and similar proposals, considering them non-starters. Even reported concessions by the Biden administration, such as the establishment of a Title 42-style removal authority, have faced opposition from some liberal Democrats.
While the Biden administration has accused House Republicans, including Speaker Johnson, of blocking funding for border security measures, negotiations between the administration and the Senate are said to be progressing. The former officials, however, dismissed these negotiations in their statement, asserting that lawmakers on the left have no real intention of ending illegal immigration.
The statement concludes by emphasizing that the decision between a secure border and unlimited illegal immigration lies with the White House and Senate Democrats. The former officials urge conservatives to stand united behind H.R. 2 and highlight that the American people are closely watching the outcome.
It is important to note that this article reflects the perspectives and statements of the individuals mentioned and does not necessarily represent the views of all parties involved.
