We cannot solve this problem without thinking about stabilizing the Triangle countries--especially the country of El Salvador.

It is harder and harder to find Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) money.

The criminal element is pouring across the border, because there is a market for what they are selling here.

I think it is clear--and the ability to collaborate, with those resources, is so critical.

I know their level of frustration.

The biggest problem I see is extortion.

The jurisdictional issues that we have, trying to tackle that, are absolutely horrible.

When we make mistakes here, in terms of national policy and national cooperation as well as the utilization of the resources we have in this country--when we do not do our job internationally, you guys are going to continue to be stressed…

I am deeply concerned about personnel issues on the Northern border and hope that whatever you are looking at in that study includes securing enough personnel to do the job and to meet the challenges.

I do not think there is any doubt that MS-13 has become a cancer in our society and that it is metastasizing in every community.

It is going to be really hard to convince that kid not to join a gang... if they think that their parents... are at risk back home in El Salvador.

I am concerned that, with the lack of Federal resources, it takes that great collaboration and pulls it apart.