In a recent critique, Representative Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) has raised concerns about the Biden administration’s handling of border security, accusing them of turning Border Patrol agents into what she terms as “travel agents.”
This condemnation comes amid growing apprehension about the impact of current border policies on national security.
Rep. Lee voices concerns over Border Patrol agent’s roles
Rep. Lee, a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, expressed her dismay during an interview with Fox News on Dec. 26.
She emphasized the dedication of Border Patrol agents who, she believes, are being diverted from crucial law enforcement tasks to roles such as distributing blankets and serving as “travel agents” facilitating the entry of individuals into the country.
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Rep. Lee raises concerns over unidentified illegal immigrants
One of Rep. Lee’s major concerns revolves around the identities of these illegal immigrants.
In her words, “We don’t know who they are. We don’t know where they’re going. We do know that quite a number of these people, some are even on the terror watch list.”
This lack of clarity and the dispersal of individuals throughout the country with ignored notices to appear raise significant national security concerns.
Alarming stats on terror watch list and Southern border entries
Rep. Lee’s remarks coincide with recent data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), revealing that 17 individuals on the FBI’s terror watch list attempted to enter the United States illegally in November.
Additionally, over 242,000 illegal immigrants were encountered at the southern border during the same month, marking the third-highest monthly total.
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Legislation in focus: ‘Secure the Border Act’
In response to the crisis, the House passed the Secure the Border Act (H.R.2) in May, a comprehensive border security and immigration legislation.
The bill, which gained approval by a vote of 219-213, includes measures such as resuming construction of border walls, tightening asylum standards, and increasing the number of border patrol agents.
However, Senate Democrats’ support is crucial for its enactment.
House Republicans push for Senate support on border security
House Republicans, including Rep. Lee, have urged Senate Democrats to support the legislation.
On social media, Rep. Lee emphasized the importance of passing H.R.2 to secure the borders and protect American communities from potential risks associated with uncontrolled immigration.
Lee criticizes Biden’s approach to handling drug trafficking crisis
During the Fox interview, Rep. Lee drew attention to the escalating fentanyl crisis in the United States.
She criticized President Biden’s approach, alleging that his focus on addressing root causes allowed drug cartels to gain operational control of the border, leading to tragic consequences in communities across America.
Mexico cartel involvement in fentanyl trafficking
Rep. Lee highlighted the alarming connection between Mexico cartels, precursor chemicals from China used to produce fentanyl, and the surge in overdose deaths.
She cited a case in October where Polk County deputies in Florida arrested individuals linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and seized a significant amount of fentanyl, enough to cause harm to millions if taken in overdose amounts.
Call for solutions: Building a wall and enforcing policies
In her critique, Rep. Lee proposed straightforward solutions to address the border crisis.
Drawing from the Trump administration’s approach, she advocated for the construction of a physical barrier, emphasizing the need for a wall.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of enforcing laws and policies such as “Remain-in Mexico” to curb the unprecedented influx of individuals entering the country illegally.
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