Katko on the Attack on CBP AMO Agents in Puerto Rico by Drug Smugglers

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Rep. John Katko (R-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement on the ambush on CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents by drug smugglers in Puerto Rico yesterday.

“I am devastated over the ambush on our CBP Air and Marine agents in Puerto Rico, which resulted in the tragic loss of one agent and serious injuries to others.

“While the mission of CBP Air and Marine is always rife with danger, it is evident that smugglers are more emboldened than ever by this administration’s policies and our nation’s front-line defenders are threatened every day because of it. If it hasn’t been clear up to this point, there are real costs to the human smuggling and drug trafficking crisis at our borders. Like most Americans, I am sick and tired of empty words of sympathy every time there is a tragedy. Actions speak louder.

“I cannot fully express my gratitude to these agents and their families for serving our nation in one of the most admirable ways. A grateful nation thanks them for their dedication. Homeland Republicans will continue praying for them and their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.”

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