Following a recent visit to the Southern border in Texas, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee has shed light on the ongoing issues and challenges faced in the region. When questioned about continuing to fund the government despite witnessing the devastating impact firsthand, the Chairman explained that it was vital to remain on the field rather than retreat. He emphasized the potential risks to military readiness and the livelihoods of border patrol agents. The Chairman expressed a desire to take a month to craft an effective border security package, acknowledging that the process should have been completed earlier.
Turning the conversation to the situation at the border, the Chairman described an alarming scenario. He highlighted the negative consequences resulting from the reversal of certain policies enacted during the previous administration. Specifically, the termination of the remain in Mexico policy and the migrant protection protocols led to a surge in encounters at the border, including instances involving individuals on the terror watch list. The Chairman underscored the severity of the situation by sharing the tragic stories of two mothers who lost loved ones. One suffered from fentanyl poisoning, while the other endured the rape of her daughter by an MS-13 gang member.
Expressing concern over the escalating crisis, the Chairman shared plans to travel to Mexico City to discuss the pressing issues with the President of Mexico and other government officials. He stressed the urgency of collaboration to combat the inflow of fentanyl into the United States and the influx of migrants. Recognizing the importance of Mexico's cooperation, the Chairman acknowledged the need to reinstate successful policies implemented during the Trump administration.
When asked about the current state of affairs in Mexico, the Chairman expressed reservations about the President's leadership. He suggested that the Mexican government's approach lacked assertiveness, allowing dangerous drug cartels to wield significant influence. The Chairman implied that the President's 'play nice in your sandbox' attitude, combined with his appetite for financial benefits, needed to be reevaluated.
It is worth noting that in the past, President Trump threatened Mexico with tariffs as a means of addressing these concerns. As the Chairman prepares for discussions in Mexico City, the need for stronger measures to combat drug trafficking and stem the tide of illegal immigration remains a top priority. The border crisis continues to strain the fabric of the nation, necessitating immediate attention and collective action.
