Republican leaders in Eagle Pass calling for solutions to border crisis

EAGLE PASS, Texas — Dozens of Republican leaders headed to the border Wednesday, as the immigration crisis surges. More than 300,000 migrant encounters were reported last month by U. S.

Customs and Border Protection . The record high comes as more calls grow for the Biden administration to act on border policy. House Speaker Mike Johnson led the delegation visiting Eagle Pass.

He was joined by local congressman Tony Gonzales, who has been vocal about the issue at the border. About 60 Republican members also met with a number of people affected by the migrant crossings. According to CNN, this includes sheriffs, judges, ranchers, mayors and DPS officers.

Wednesday afternoon, they hosted a press conference in Eagle Pass calling for solutions at the border. Many representatives blamed the Biden Administration for what’s happening. Johnson described the tour in Eagle Pass as an eye opener but one thing is certain, “America is at a breaking point.

” He added that the situation is unconscionable, heartbreaking and infuriating. He said they got a firsthand look at the damage and chaos the border situation is causing. “Our communities are overrun, we have local resources that are being strapped, we have lethal drugs that are pouring into our country at record levels.

” Johnson also mentioned it’s been less than three years since Biden took office. According to Johnson we’ve have over 7 million illegal encounters at the border, nearly 2 million known have got away and that does not include those undetected. Johnson stated that 312 suspects on the terrorist watchlist have been apprehended but said they are unsure how many have been able to come into the country.

Johnson said last month alone there have been more illegal crossings in recorded history. He called the situation a catastrophe of the president’s own design. According to Johnson as they met with a number of sheriff’s, ranchers, and those affected by the border crisis.

He said one of the sheriff’s they met with who has first hand experience working with the border crisis remarked it took the Biden Administration 6 months to dismantle 100 years of progress. Johnson recalled some of the first actions Biden took once he became President was to roll back border security measure that were initiated by the Trump Administration. Johnson said that it was estimated that if the Biden Administration would reinstate just the remain in Mexico policy it could stem the flow of migrants by approximately 70% or more.

According to Johnson it’s estimated that 170 countries have people flowing across the U. S. border.

Johnson explained it’s not people seeking asylum who are crossing the border its hardened criminals. He added that the Biden Administration has laid out a welcome mat for illegal immigration, smugglers and cartels. He spoke against catch and release and called upon the White House to take action.

“The president can and should act now, this doesn’t require legislation it requires leadership,” Johnson said. Johnson praised Texas Governor Greg Abbott for his enforcement of the law and his push to end the border crossings. Johnson added that as each day passes the situation gets more and more dangerous and frustrating.

Congressman Gonzales later thanked Johnson and their teams for organizing the visit and repeatedly said that showing up matters in crisis like these. “We’re united in making sure the top priority for republicans is securing the border. Gonzales explained that change must happen because if this crisis continues communities like San Antonio and all across the nation will be turned upside down.

Gonzales added that today the crossings have slowed and border patrol agents were not processing thousands of migrants but rather in the field doing their jobs. “How do we fix this? We end catch and release. How do we fix this? We deport people that are here illegally by the thousands, not by the dozens,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales urged people to listen to the ranchers, sheriff’s, border patrol agents and the people that live near the border and deal with this crisis on a daily basis. Gonzales added that to end the problem the nexus of the issue must be addressed. “You want to get to the root of the issue.

The root of the issue is cartels,” he said. Gonzales added that he has pushed to label cartels as a terrorist organization. During an interview with CNN, Congessman Gonzales said the border visit is a chance to educate members on how Biden’s policies are impacting operations and how to better tackle legislative priorities.

MORE LOCAL NEWS Learn more about KENS 5: Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians. KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program. Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news.

Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers’ homes. We’re proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today. Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation.

The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community. You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5. com , the KENS 5 app , the KENS 5 YouTube channel , KENS 5’s Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and more! Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members .

.