Securing Our Southern Border
For four years under the Biden Administration, our nation faced an unprecedented crisis at the southern border. Weak enforcement policies allowed drug smugglers, human traffickers, and dangerous criminals to take advantage of our immigration system, putting American communities at risk. During the Biden Administration, there were more than 11 million encounters nationwide, while an estimated 2.2 million individuals evaded Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) entirely. Additionally, hundreds of individuals on the FBI terrorist watchlist were apprehended attempting to cross into the United States. These alarming numbers highlight the consequences of an administration that failed to prioritize national security and enforce immigration laws.
Under President Trump’s leadership, we have seen a dramatic turnaround. For 17 consecutive months, there have been zero releases by CBP into the United States. More than one million people self-deported, and the administration’s focus has been on getting dangerous immigrants with criminal backgrounds out of our country. Securing our border is more than stopping illegal crossings; it is also about preventing dangerous drugs, gang members, and criminal organizations from entering our communities. Over the last two years, more than 10,000 suspected narco-terrorists have been arrested. These efforts are critical in disrupting criminal organizations and keeping dangerous individuals off our streets. The results demonstrate what can be accomplished when we prioritize enforcing our laws and protecting American citizens. Our CBP agents and law enforcement officers work tirelessly to protect American families, and they deserve the resources and support necessary to do their jobs.
House Republicans have also taken important legislative steps to strengthen our immigration laws and ensure these policies remain in place. In September, the House passed the Stop Illegal Entry Act, legislation I introduced alongside Congressman Brad Knott to increase criminal penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after being removed and for those who commit serious crimes while in the country unlawfully. The legislation also has a companion bill in the Senate, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz. Additionally, Republicans passed the Laken Riley Act, which was signed into law and requires federal immigration authorities to detain certain individuals arrested for or charged with specified crimes. We also secured funding for immigration enforcement operations through the Secure America Act, providing critical resources for CBP, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
While House Republicans have worked to strengthen our immigration laws and support law enforcement, Democrats have continued to oppose critical measures to secure our nation. Rather than supporting policies that prioritize public safety and hold dangerous criminals accountable, many Democrats have voted against Republican efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement. Protecting American families should not be a partisan issue, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure our immigration laws are upheld.
The contrast between the two Administrations could not be clearer. After years of record illegal crossings and failed policies, this administration has demonstrated that securing our southern border is possible. The progress we have made is a direct result of stronger enforcement, renewed accountability, and commitment to putting American citizens first. We must build on these successes by continuing to support our CBP agents, strengthening our immigration laws, and ensuring our nation remains safe for generations to come.