Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Republicans involved in negotiating an immigration reform deal in the Senate, cautioning that “a bad border deal is far worse than no border deal.”
His statement, made in a post on Truth Social on Jan. 27, emphasized the potential risks of terrorism on U.S. soil. Trump’s comments come amidst a surge in illegal immigration during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
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Trump warns of ‘catastrophe’ at U.S.-Mexico border
Trump, who has been vocal about border security, described the current situation as a “catastrophe waiting to happen.”
He labeled the U.S.-Mexico border situation as the “worst” in history and an “open wound in our once great country.”
His dire prediction was clear: “There is now a 100 percent chance that there will be MAJOR TERROR ATTACKS IN THE USA. CLOSE THE BORDER!”
Surge in illegal border crossings hits record high
This warning reflects Trump’s longstanding emphasis on strict border controls.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, December witnessed a record high in illegal alien encounters, with 371,036 cases reported.
This number surpasses the previous record set in August 2023. Additionally, southwest land border encounters hit a new peak at 302,034, as per CBP data released on Jan. 26.
President Biden backs bipartisan border deal amidst crisis
In contrast, President Biden has supported the bipartisan border deal that Senate negotiators are finalizing.
He seeks legislative authority to shut down the border under overwhelming circumstances and has called for Congress to approve more funding for border security.
“If you’re serious about the border crisis, pass a bipartisan bill, and I will sign it,” Biden asserted.
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Senate Republicans’ mixed reactions to border deal
The Senate’s response to the proposed deal has been mixed. While some Republicans back the agreement, others like House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) have voiced opposition.
Blackburn, in particular, has been critical of provisions she claims would allow the release of up to 5,000 illegal immigrants per day.
“I will not vote for anything that makes illegal legal,” she stated emphatically in a Fox News interview.
Leaked border deal faces House rejection; Trump demands security pact
Further complicating the negotiations is a purported leaked draft of the deal, leading Johnson to declare it would be “dead on arrival” in the House.
Trump, capitalizing on these concerns, has urged Republicans to hold out for a “perfect” deal on border security.
Elon Musk’s critique and Biden administration’s legal battles
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, responding to President Biden’s post about the border deal, suggested that no new laws are necessary, advocating instead for an executive order requiring proof before granting asylum hearings.
Musk also accused the Biden administration of “actively aiding illegal immigration” by challenging state-level border security measures.
Legal challenges dismantle state border barriers; Texas defiant
Recent lawsuits by the Biden administration against Arizona and Texas have led to the dismantling of makeshift border walls and the Supreme Court ruling against Texas’ razor wire fencing.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, undeterred, has vowed to add more razor wire.
A DHS spokesperson supported the Supreme Court’s decision, emphasizing that immigration law enforcement is a federal responsibility.
GOP lawmakers propose bills to preserve state border barriers
In response to these developments, Republican legislators have introduced bills to protect state-implemented border barriers.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) introduced the State Border Security Act, aimed at preventing federal agents from removing state-erected barriers.
Similarly, Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) proposed the RAZOR Act in the House.
Trump’s call for national guard deployment
Amid these legislative and legal battles, Trump has continued to advocate for solid border measures, suggesting states deploy the National Guard to prevent illegal immigration.
His consistent stance on border security remains a central theme in the ongoing debate over the best approach to managing U.S. borders.
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Victoria Mangelli graduated Summa Cum Laude with her BA in journalism from Siena College. She has worked for the Megyn Kelly Show, The Borgen Project, Saratoga Living, as well as several other publications. She enjoys traveling in her free time while freelancing for national publications.