Katko Leads Homeland Security Republicans Sounding Alarm on Biden Border Crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – Republican members of the House Committee on Homeland Security are sounding the alarm on the Biden Administration’s sweeping border security and immigration enforcement policy rollbacks, which are undercutting the rule of law and causing a new crisis at our southwest border.

In a letter led by Ranking Member John Katko (R-NY), the members warn of a dangerous surge in encounters at the border at a time when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities are operating at limited capacity because of the global pandemic.

The members note that following the 2019 Border Crisis, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) instituted productive policies to prevent future large-scale surges. However, the Administration’s recent executive actions have reversed our nation’s previous security posture, reinvigorating irregular migration during a public health crisis.

“Simply put: Republican Members of the Committee believe these actions are putting politics ahead of national security at a time when the American people are demanding better,” wrote the members.

“We implore you to reconsider the policy rollbacks and focus on interagency coordination at the border, honor and build upon international agreements for irregular migration management, and expand temporary holding capacity for migrants that cannot be expelled quickly under Title 42 authority, to immediately address the developing situation,” the members continued.

“If you are, indeed, serious about finding common ground on homeland security issues important to the lives of Americans, let us return to a time—not too long ago—when Democrats joined Republicans in supporting increased funding to secure our border, including physical barriers and other commonsense security and enforcement measures. We would stand ready to work with you in support of strong border security and immigration policies that protect the health, safety, and security of the United States,” concluded the members.

Read the full letter here.

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