In a letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has called for increased action and information regarding the threats facing Border Patrol agents. As the border crisis continues to receive scrutiny, Cruz attributes these threats to emboldened cartels operating at the southern border.
Citing Mayorkas’ testimony before the House in July, Cruz emphasizes the daily risks that Border Patrol agents face in their mission to secure the United States from threats. He further notes reports of text messages in El Paso, Texas, soliciting personal information and threatening torture against agents and their families. While these reports have not been confirmed, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) states that they take all threats seriously and deploy necessary precautions.
Senator Cruz links these threats to the policies of the Biden administration, claiming that the cartels have been emboldened by what he perceives as a failure of leadership at the border. He points to increased cartel profits, a rise in fentanyl smuggling, and the release of migrants into the interior as evidence. Cruz argues that the violence against law enforcement and public officials that has long plagued Mexico is now gaining a foothold in the United States.
To address these concerns, Senator Cruz requests a list of all arrests related to threats against Border Patrol agents for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, as well as referrals made to other agencies. He also seeks information on the available resources for targeted agents and how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intends to collaborate with other agencies to address the threat from cartels. Additionally, Cruz questions the DHS about its approach to border security in light of these threats.
Mayorkas, who has made Border Patrol agents his “top priority,” according to his July remarks, has previously highlighted efforts to support the workforce and provide resources for mental health and well-being. He has also called on Congress to pass laws to reform the immigration system and provide additional funding to disrupt cartels and secure the border. The Biden administration recently requested an extra $14 billion from Congress for this purpose.
In conclusion, Senator Ted Cruz’s letter to Secretary Mayorkas highlights the urgent need to address threats against Border Patrol agents amidst the ongoing border crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Cruz asserts that the cartels’ increased activities and violence pose a significant national security risk. The response from the DHS and the Biden administration to these concerns remains to be seen.
Adam Shaw, a politics reporter for Fox News, contributed to this article, primarily covering immigration and border security. He can be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter. Stay updated with the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to our newsletter.
