In recent months, the crisis at the southern border of the United States has reached staggering levels. Since October 1st, over a million migrants have crossed the border, with a total of nearly 8 million since President Biden's inauguration. These numbers are record-breaking and continue to rise, posing significant challenges for American cities, national security, and the overall well-being of the country.
Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens has expressed his concerns about this situation. In a recent post, he shared photos and revealed that the Border Patrol has apprehended more than 160 individuals with gang affiliations since October 1st. These gangs, such as PASAS and MS-13, are notorious for engaging in criminal activities such as murder, extortion, narcotics, weapons trafficking, human trafficking, and prostitution.
Chief Owens emphasized the critical need for action from Congress and the President to address this crisis. While a bill that aimed to address border security failed to pass, he commended Senators Lankford, Sinema, and Murphy for their bipartisan effort. He stressed the importance of collaboration and compromise to support the Border Patrol in their mission to protect the country and its people.
When asked if the bill would have improved border safety, Chief Owens highlighted that operational control of the border has never been achieved during his 28-year career in law enforcement. The bill offered the potential to bolster the Border Patrol with additional agents, technology, equipment, and infrastructure. While it may not have completely resolved the crisis, it would have made significant strides in enhancing border security.
Chief Owens urged Congress to continue working together, without giving up, to reach a consensus that prioritizes the safety of the nation. He reminded lawmakers that the Border Patrol's primary mission is not to process asylum seekers but to protect the country from individuals who seek to harm it. The overflow of migrants crossing the border not only endangers their lives but also diverts resources from other critical tasks, allowing cartels and smugglers to exploit vulnerabilities and potentially endanger American communities.
Chief Owens stressed the need for more personnel, technology, infrastructure, and equipment at the border. He expressed concern for the safety of his fellow Border Patrol agents, who rely on appropriate resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
While the exact number of migrants who manage to evade capture and enter the country remains unknown due to vast stretches of unmonitored border areas, Chief Owens acknowledged that hundreds of thousands have been captured. He emphasized that those who willingly surrender to the Border Patrol likely have criminal intent, posing a potential threat to the United States.
Finally, Chief Owens concluded that if the bill had passed, it would have enabled authorities to hold single adult males in custody until they could be properly processed and removed, leading to a significant reduction in their numbers crossing the border and being released into the country.
The crisis at the southern border continues to unfold, with a dire need for robust measures to address the issue effectively and safeguard American citizens and communities.
