In a new report released by Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee, Border Patrol agents have apprehended a record number of individuals on the FBI terror watchlist in FY2023. The report blames DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for the “devastating human costs” of the ongoing migrant crisis at the southern border. This is the third report from the committee that highlights Mayorkas’ handling of the crisis. Republicans have been highly critical of Mayorkas, with some even calling for his impeachment over policies they say have worsened the border crisis, including reduced interior enforcement and expanded “catch-and-release.”
During a committee hearing in September, members were presented with alarming information about the human effects of the crisis, such as child trafficking, overwhelmed Border Patrol agents, and the continued influx of fentanyl trafficking from Mexico. Fentanyl, a highly lethal opioid responsible for tens of thousands of deaths each year, is primarily trafficked across the southern border after being produced in Mexico using Chinese precursors. The report highlights a dramatic increase in border seizures, both at ports of entry and between them, and warns that overwhelmed agents may be missing even larger quantities of illicit substances.
Chairman Mark Green, a vocal critic of Mayorkas, has expressed concern about the strain placed on Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and agents. The report details evidence of stress, increased workload, and concerns about suicide among these personnel. It also criticizes the administration’s handling of the since-debunked “whipping” controversy in Del Rio in 2021, where Border Patrol agents were wrongly accused of mistreating migrants.
The Republican report further emphasizes the impact of illegal immigrants on crime and public safety, citing fewer arrests of criminal illegal immigrants by ICE due to reduced enforcement. It also points to crimes committed by illegal immigrants and the increase in suffering and deaths of migrants at the southern border. Specifically, it highlights the rise in migrant deaths, the exploitation of migrants by smugglers, the abandonment of children by smugglers, and the increased human trafficking of children into forced labor and the sex trade.
Chairman Mark Green expressed his dismay over the situation, stating, “This self-inflicted crisis has exacted a terrible human cost all across our country.” He criticized Secretary Mayorkas for his alleged dereliction of duty and refusal to change course on policies that have contributed to the crisis. Green emphasized the need to inform the public about the true cost of the crisis and hold Mayorkas accountable.
Democrats on the committee, however, dismissed the report as baseless attacks and xenophobic rhetoric. Ranking Member Bennie Thompson accused Republicans of lacking the ability to govern and work with Democrats on real solutions.
DHS officials have defended Mayorkas against Republican criticism, asserting that Congress should provide more funding and address the broken immigration system. They highlighted previous anti-smuggling campaigns and additional funding to combat human and drug smuggling.
The report concludes by urging Congress to work with the Biden-Harris administration to secure funding, invest in new technologies, and fix the broken immigration system. Critics argue that legislation is the only way to bring about the necessary reforms.
It is worth noting that this report comes at a time of heightened political division, with Republicans and Democrats clashing over immigration policies and the handling of the southern border crisis. The article highlights the different perspectives and criticisms surrounding the issue, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the situation.
