LEGISLATIVE SESSION--Border Security
Congressional Record Vol. 170, No. 41
(Senate - March 7, 2024) PDF
Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I also rise to discuss the Biden
administration's failure to contain the crisis at our southern border
and how that is having extreme consequences and endangering our very
own citizens.
Time and time again, Republicans have warned about the damage being
done to our country by open border policies launched on President
Biden's first day in office.
For more than 3 years, we have witnessed this President and his
administration tell us over and over that there is not a border crisis
and that the border is secure. I, like most Americans, know that is
absolutely not true.
President Biden will deliver his State of the Union Address tonight,
and I hope the American people will listen with some level of
skepticism should he discuss his recent election-year plans to address
illegal crossings at the border. The American people deserve for him to
be forthcoming about the border crisis, a crisis that is manifesting
itself more and more in serious and violent crimes committed by illegal
migrants allowed to stay in our country.
The American people deserve to know why or how Executive action would
be better than simply enforcing the law--the laws that are currently
already on the books. Yes, Executive orders have the force of law, but
they are based on existing statutes. Simply put, this administration
needs to enforce the law. Americans are taking the brunt of Joe Biden's
policies as crime runs rampant at the hands of illegal immigrants.
Last year, Border Patrol agents encountered thousands of illegal
aliens with prior criminal convictions, including assault, rape, and murder.
Make no mistake, it is thanks to Joe Biden's policies and his refusal
to enforce the law that has allowed such criminals into our country,
and now Americans are becoming victims of their crimes all across the
country. Over just 2 weeks this January, law enforcement arrested more
than 100 illegal immigrants in 25 different U.S. cities. Over half of
the illegal aliens arrested had convictions or pending charges for
assault against children, including sexual assault against children.
A month ago, just outside of Minneapolis, a man who was previously
detained, dressed as a delivery driver, snuck into a home and murdered
three people while two small children witnessed this crime.
Just a few weeks ago in New York, several migrants were arrested for
assaulting a pair of police officers. Of course, they were almost
immediately released when the Manhattan District Attorney's Office did
not seek bail. They were seen smirking and using obscene gestures for
the media, showing no remorse for their actions. From the same mob
assault, one of the migrants allegedly involved was arrested again just
days later--this time, for robbing a Macy's in Queens.
Now, just the other week, a University of Georgia nursing student,
with her whole future ahead of her, went running on a popular trail in
broad daylight only to be brutally murdered. The man charged with her
murder entered our country illegally.
These crimes, combined with the liberal district attorneys and mayors
across the country--those who advocate for sanctuary cities and other
soft-on-crime policies--have created a nightmare for everyone who wants
to live peacefully and safely in their homes and communities without
violence.
Where is President Biden's compassion for American families and
communities experiencing these horrible acts? During his brief and
sanitized visit to Brownsville last week, why did the President dodge
questions about the murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley at UGA? Why is
his administration reluctant to prioritize their safety?
I pray that the perpetrators receive justice, and I pray the families
of these victims receive God's comfort.
Sadly, my home State of Mississippi has also felt the consequences of
Joe Biden's policies with the many instances of human trafficking.
Last year, four illegal immigrants were discovered with a 7-year-old
migrant child after being pulled over and detained for driving without
a license. After Homeland Security Investigations was contacted, the
driver attempted to flee on foot and was captured. HSI determined the
child was not related to anyone in the vehicle.
In another situation, a Mississippi Highway Patrol trooper identified
an illegal migrant driving on I-10, in Jackson County, with no ID. A
passenger--also an illegal immigrant--revealed that they were on their
way to Houston, TX, to pick up another man or woman and three or four
children. After a legal search of the vehicle, items consistent with
human trafficking were discovered in the vehicle.
Instances like these are, unfortunately, happening across the
country, and our communities are in danger. If you think this isn't
happening in your backyard, then think again. Because of the state of
our country, there is growing concern and fear among Americans, who are
wondering if they or someone they love will be the next target.
In fiscal year 2023, there were over 15,000 criminal noncitizen
arrests. There were over 2,000 criminal illegal drug possessions and
trafficking convictions. Additionally, there were almost 9,000 driving
under the influence convictions. There have been nearly 200 murders
committed by illegal immigrants since Joe Biden took office--200 lives
lost under President Biden's watch. This is not how the greatest
country in the world should operate.
Robberies, sexual assault, crimes against children, human
trafficking, and murder are just some examples of the crimes these
illegal migrants are willing to commit in our country. We have to stand
against this.
President Biden claims he needs more authority to get control of the
border. This is blatantly false. The previous administration
successfully enforced border laws to get crossings to record lows. The
Biden administration repeatedly refuses to acknowledge the border
crisis for what it is--a crisis. He opened the border, and he can close
it.
As the President prepares his State of the Union speech, I call on
the Biden administration and the Democrats, who simply need to enforce
the law. Let's just start with that. We must make this a priority.
Americans deserve nothing less.
I yield the floor.