From the National Border Patrol Council
As the RGV is again being overwhelmed by illegal aliens, the Administration has decided to throw up their hands and call it “the new normal”. Well this week Congress asked us to what we thought,and we let them have it.
Speaking Truth to Power
The men and women of the Border Patrol have taken an oath to protect our communities and our nation. “Honor First” is our motto, moreover, and we take it seriously. So when we are asked to testify in Washington, we understand that what we tell elected officials might be different from what the administration tells them. This does not make us popular in the Reagan Building, but it’s essential to deliver information in its entirety: the good, the bad and the ugly.
Both the House and the Senate recently called on our union to give testimony on the state of security at our northern and southern borders.
Here’s the good news: Despite an unprecedented effort to hinder the work of the Border Patrol through wage cuts, unreliable equipment and lack of political support, our agents are standing tall and working tirelessly.
As for the bad, did you know that any given time, there are only about 300 agents watching the northern border? Agent Dean Mandel testified to this effect at a Feb. 3 hearing of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The ugly was aired the next morning when NBPC President Brandon Judd testified that the administration has all but given up on blocking illegal immigration through the Rio Grande Valley, going so far as to stop issuing Notices to Appear. As Brandon eloquently put it, the administration has entered a “new normal of non-enforcement.” History tells us that when there is no enforcement the doors to chaos are blown wide open.
So many programs — DACA, DAPA and even amnesty — have sought to “bring people out of the shadows and into the light.” Unfortunately, historically these programs have resulted in the illegal population exploding from three million in the late 1980s to 14 million or more today. Our agents know that what these programs will continue to replace those in the shadows with another population hoping they too can pressure the government to let them stay.
We believe that only strong enforcement will stop the flow and serve as the greatest deterrent to future waves. The fact is that many of those who are caught crossing into our country believe they will be allowed to stay. Sadly, this administration, just like others before it, has proven these thoughts to be correct.