Republican Senators Sound Alarm on Biden’s Border Policies
Republican senators have raised concerns about the Biden administration’s border policies after Border Patrol agents apprehended illegal border crossers carrying explosive devices that Senator John Barrasso described as “tailor-made for terrorism.”
During a press conference on October 31, Senator Barrasso, along with Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Pete Ricketts, shared their findings from a recent visit to the U.S.–Mexico border. They revealed that over 8 million illegal border crossings have occurred under President Biden’s watch, and the discovery of explosive devices on some border crossers poses an increased risk of terrorist attacks on the homeland.
“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,” emphasized Mr. Barrasso.
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) speaks to reporters in Washington on Oct. 4, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)
Illegal immigrants jump over the barbed wire fence into the United States from Mexico, in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Aug. 25, 2023. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)
During the press conference, Senator Ricketts highlighted President Biden’s “failed” border policies, revealing that 18 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended while illegally entering the United States in September, with 172 individuals caught last year.
“To put this in perspective, in years past, that number was single digits,” stated Senator Ricketts.
“We’re opening ourselves up for a terrorist attack.”
Terror Threat Rises
The FBI Director, Christopher Wray, also warned of an increased terror threat against the United States and its citizens. He testified before Congress on October 31, stating that multiple foreign terrorist organizations have called for attacks against Americans and the West since the Hamas attack on October 7. Mr. Wray emphasized the rising threat posed by “homegrown extremists.”
Mr. Wray compared the actions of Hamas and its allies to the rise of ISIS several years ago, stating that their actions serve as inspiration for terrorist attacks.
However, the terror threat has been increasing for some time. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a terror alert earlier this year, warning of a “heightened threat environment” in the United States. The alert mentioned individuals with links to foreign terrorist organizations who may target schools, government facilities, or critical infrastructure.
In September, a record-high of over 269,000 people were apprehended crossing the U.S.–Mexico border illegally.
Senator Barrasso highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the number of illegal border crossings has become so alarming that Homeland Security raised the terror threat level. He also mentioned the significant number of “gotaways,” individuals who evade capture and hide to avoid detection.
According to the House Committee on Homeland Security, there have been 1.7 million ”gotaways” since President Biden took office.
Illegal immigrants walk through razor wire surrounding a makeshift migrant camp after crossing the border from Mexico, in El Paso, Texas, on May 11, 2023. (John Moore/Getty Images)
Gotaways In Focus
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who testified alongside Mr. Wray, acknowledged that over 600,000 illegal immigrants evaded capture during the 2023 fiscal year. He described the phenomenon of “gotaways” as a long-standing challenge for the Department of Homeland Security, emphasizing the broken immigration system.
Senator Ricketts placed the blame squarely on the Biden administration, stating that President Biden has created this crisis.
During the press conference, Senator Cornyn highlighted the issue of unidentified “gotaways” and their potential reasons for evading law enforcement.
Senator Ricketts emphasized that the restoration of the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” policy would be the most effective solution to end the influx of illegal immigration.
The “Remain in Mexico” program, also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), required asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for their U.S. court hearings.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment regarding the statements blaming President Biden for the border crisis.
In response to the latest illegal immigration data from September, CBP stated that they have deployed additional resources and will remain vigilant. CPB official Troy Miller affirmed their commitment to enforcing consequences under U.S. immigration law and mentioned President Biden’s supplemental funding request for additional resources to address the border crisis.
President Biden has called on Congress to approve $105 billion in funding, with a significant portion allocated to support Israel and Ukraine. Approximately $13.6 billion has been designated for border protection, including the hiring of more border patrol agents and asylum officers.
What are the implications of over 8 million illegal border crossings under President Biden’s watch?
Republican Senators are raising concerns about the Biden administration’s border policies, citing the recent discovery of explosive devices on illegal border crossers. During a press conference on October 31, Senators John Barrasso, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Pete Ricketts shared their findings from a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border. They revealed that over 8 million illegal border crossings have occurred under President Biden’s watch, posing an increased risk of terrorist attacks on the homeland.
Senator Barrasso emphasized the threat to national security, stating, “With Joe Biden’s open border policy, our country is really at an increased threat for a terrorist attack.” The discovery of improvised explosive devices, described by Barrasso as the “size of cannonballs” and specifically designed for terrorism, highlights the seriousness of the situation.
The Republican Senators’ visit to the border sheds light on the implications of President Biden’s border policies. The surge in illegal border crossings not only puts a strain on Border Patrol agents, but it also presents a potential security threat. The presence of explosive devices on illegal border crossers indicates the possibility of terrorist organizations exploiting the porous border to bring harm to the United States.
The concern expressed by these Senators is indicative of a broader skepticism towards the Biden administration’s handling of border security. The Republicans argue that a more robust and stringent approach is necessary to protect national security and prevent potential terrorist attacks.
In recent weeks, there have been numerous reports highlighting the security risks associated with the current border situation. This includes warnings from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about Hamas terrorists potentially attempting to cross the US-Mexico border.
The Republican Senators’ press conference comes at a crucial time when the administration is under scrutiny for its handling of immigration and border security. The issue of illegal immigration has been a contentious one, with Republicans and Democrats differing on the appropriate approach to address the challenges at the border.
The concerns raised by Republican Senators highlight the need for a comprehensive and effective border policy that prioritizes national security while addressing the humanitarian aspects of immigration. It is crucial for the Biden administration to address these concerns and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of the American people.
As the debate on immigration policies continues, it is essential to find a balanced approach that both protects national security and upholds American values. The discovery of explosive devices on illegal border crossers serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of a lax border policy. It is imperative for the Biden administration to reassess its approach and implement measures that prioritize the safety of the American people.
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