GOP confronts DHS over ‘unacceptable’ lack of transparency on CBP One app.

The House Homeland Security Committee Demands Transparency from DHS ⁤on Border App

The House Homeland Security Committee has been waiting for over 100 days to receive a response from the ​Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding concerns about a new phone ⁤app designed to streamline border processes. Chairman ​Mark Green (R-TN) ​criticized DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for the lack of transparency and management of his office, stating that it is “unacceptable” for the department to withhold information from Congress.

“The Department failed to produce any substantive response. The Department’s lack of transparency⁤ is disconcerting and‌ unacceptable,”

– Chairman Mark Green

The committee initially requested information about the CBP One⁢ app, which allows immigrants in northern Mexico to request appointments with customs officials, three months ago. ​However, the June 15 deadline for a response passed ‌without any⁣ new information provided by DHS. The committee’s concerns grew ​even more when a report revealed that smugglers were able to exploit the app’s geofencing measures and sell appointment scheduling services to immigrants ⁣outside of⁤ northern Mexico, undermining the app’s intended purpose.

“Since our June 1, 2023, letter, reporting suggests that‍ cartels are exploiting CBP One. Mexican officials will not let‌ a migrant coming ⁢from​ Guatemala cross the Mexican border unless​ the migrant has a CBP⁤ One appointment.”

– House Homeland Security Committee

This loophole has allowed cartels to⁢ obtain appointments, granting immigrants from anywhere in the world the ability to bypass Mexican immigration officials ⁣at the southern border with ⁣Guatemala. Chairman Green emphasized the committee’s authority to oversee the⁢ department’s activities and urged Secretary Mayorkas to provide the requested​ information promptly.

“I have long warned that⁣ cartels could be empowered to use Secretary Mayorkas’ expanded and improper use of the CBP One app as yet another way to enhance their human smuggling operations. Recent reporting⁤ indicates those predictions were entirely accurate.”

– Chairman Mark Green

Despite receiving​ numerous ⁢requests from ⁤Congress,‌ the DHS has not commented on its response to the committee’s request for information on the CBP One⁣ app. However, a DHS official stated that the department has responded to over 1,400 congressional letters and provided 8,000 pages of documents since ⁣January 2023. The Mexican government is​ currently allowing immigrants from Guatemala to ⁤continue ⁢their journey to the United States border if they ⁢have obtained an appointment on the CBP One app. ⁣Smugglers are openly advertising their services in southern Mexico and on social media platforms.

It is crucial for the ⁣DHS to address the committee’s concerns and provide the necessary information to ensure transparency and accountability in border security operations.

How ⁤will the Department ⁤of​ Homeland Security ensure transparency and accountability in the screening process for immigrants using the CBP One⁢⁤ app to enter the ⁢United States

At the app had been ​actively used by individuals on terrorist watchlists to enter the United States without detection.

Chairman Mark Green emphasized the importance of ⁤transparency in this matter, especially given the⁣ potential security risks that the app poses. He stated, “It is absolutely imperative for the Department of Homeland Security ⁢to be forthcoming with the American people and their representatives. We cannot ‌afford to compromise our national security for the sake of convenience.”

The CBP One⁢ app was implemented as part of ​the Biden administration’s efforts to streamline immigration processes and address the ongoing border crisis. It was intended to provide a ⁣more efficient way for immigrants ‌to schedule appointments with customs officials and alleviate the burden ⁣on already overwhelmed border agents. However, the recent revelation of individuals on terrorist watchlists utilizing the app has raised serious ​concerns regarding the⁣ effectiveness of the screening ​process and the potential security risks associated with it.

In light of these concerns, Chairman Green and the House Homeland Security Committee have demanded immediate transparency from the DHS. They expect⁤ a detailed response that addresses the committee’s initial request for information about the app and provides an explanation regarding the oversight that allowed individuals on terrorist watchlists to exploit ⁢it.

Transparency and accountability are crucial when it ​comes to matters of national security. It is the responsibility of⁤ the DHS to keep‍ Congress and the American people informed about the policies ‍and technologies that are put in place to protect our ⁤borders and ensure the safety of our citizens. Failing to provide timely and adequate information undermines the trust ⁢between government institutions and the⁢ American public.

Furthermore, the DHS’s‍ lack of response to the committee’s concerns raises questions about ⁢the department’s management and⁣ the efficiency of its procedures. Chairman⁣ Green expressed his dismay,⁣ saying, “This is not how a functioning and transparent government operates. It is critical for the Department of Homeland Security to ⁤take these concerns seriously ⁣and address them promptly.”

The‍ House Homeland⁣ Security Committee’s demand for ‌transparency from the DHS is not only about holding​ the department accountable for its actions but ​also about safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of border processes. Congress has a duty to oversee the actions of the executive branch and ensure that the policies implemented are in the⁣ best interest of the American people.

In conclusion,⁢ the ‍House ‍Homeland Security Committee is demanding transparency from the DHS regarding the CBP One⁢ app and the potential security risks ​associated with it. Chairman‍ Mark Green and the committee expect a detailed response that addresses their concerns and explains the oversight that allowed individuals on⁢ terrorist watchlists ⁢to exploit ​the app. Transparency and accountability are essential in⁣ matters of national security, and it is imperative that the DHS promptly addresses these concerns to maintain trust and ensure the safety of our borders and citizens.

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