On the recordDecember 14, 2022
As we end this calendar year, I rise once again to bring attention to the crisis at our southwest border. In 2022, over 2 million migrants were encountered at our southwest border; the highest number in American history. Just 2 months ago, there were over 230,000 migrant encounters at our border. On top of this number, it is estimated that roughly 64,000 illegal immigrants evaded apprehension in October, and 70,000 evaded in November. For over a year and a half now, there have been over 150,000 illegal border crossings each month. Those numbers are higher than ever. Madam Speaker, 98 individuals on the Terrorist Screening Database were apprehended at the southern border; more than the last 5 years combined. Over the last 2 years, the Biden administration has repeatedly repealed effective Trump-era policies that kept our border and our Nation more secure. Despite claims from Secretary Mayorkas saying otherwise, the Biden administration does not have operational control over our border. During a recent visit to Arizona, President Biden claimed that there were ``more important'' things to do than visit the southern border. Madam Speaker, the President is in Arizona. What is more important than a morale-boosting visit to our men and women at Customs and Border Patrol? What is more important than keeping our border secure? Well, apparently, the President's 49 trips to Delaware, or maybe the President's 8 trips to go get ice cream were more important.…
