Bennie Thompson

Congressional Democrats understand the complex reasons that immigrants seek to come to the United States and are prepared to work with Republicans to create a plan that both ensures the security of our borders and expands legal pathways…

The United States of America has a responsibility to keep our promise to those like Mr. Safi, who bravely helped American soldiers in their time of need, and help him in his time of need as he seeks asylum in the United States.

During a briefing with reporters, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said it was 'unequivocally false that fentanyl is being brought to the United States by non-citizens encountered in between the ports of entry who are making…

However, the evidence does not support the Republican theory that immigrants are responsible for trafficking fentanyl into the United States.

This is the United States of America. Democrats recognize that we can maintain the highest level of security in the world while also treating immigrants with the utmost compassion, respect, and humanity.

Instead, we need to look at the facts, and work together toward solutions.

The gentleman from Texas, Mr. Gonzalez, a Republican Member of this panel who represents a border district, called the bill 'anti-American' and 'not Christian'--and I agree.

But the question remains do we want to finally overcome our border challenges or do we want to use this issue for partisan attacks?

The fact is, the Biden administration is working to reunite hundreds of families who remain separated years after the Trump administration took children from their parents at the border, a policy that will be a permanent stain on our…

That kind of talk may score political points in certain circles, but it flies in the face of good old-fashioned common sense.

The fact is Democrats are focused on investing in border staffing, infrastructure, and technology, especially at ports of entry.

Unfortunately, I am concerned that this hearing won't help us move toward a solution for better border management, but rather may be used by some as a platform for divisive rhetoric and anti-immigrant fearmongering.

Turning our backs on asylees would be turning our backs on who we are as a country.

The gentleman from Texas, Mr. Gonzalez, a Republican member of this panel, called the bill anti-American and not Christian, and I agree.

However, I would note that while Republicans are using this hearing to criticize Secretary Mayorkas for the challenges at our border... the majority has offered no solutions of its own.

EVERY STATE IS A BORDER STATE: EXAMINING SECRETARY MAYORKAS' BORDER CRISIS

Donald Trump broke that faith. He lost the 2020 election and knew it.

Among the most shameful of this Committee's findings was that President Trump sat in a dining room off the Oval Office watching the violent riot at the Capitol on television.

January 6, 2021, was the first time one American President refused his constitutional duty to transfer power peacefully to the next.

He summoned a mob to Washington and, knowing they were armed and angry, pointed them to the Capitol and told them to 'fight like hell.'

We also knew this was flatly false.

To cast a vote in the United States is an act of faith and hope.

Threats to the homeland have never been more complex.

So if you want to fight for that, I will fight by your side to get more Border Patrol agents.

Domestic violent extremists now pose the greatest threat to our homeland.