Art Del Quedo, the Vice President of the National Border Patrol Council, representing nearly 18,000 border patrol agents, expressed his concerns about the recent executive order issued by the Biden administration. Del Quedo believes that the order falls short of addressing the core issues at the border.
Del Quedo emphasized the need for stricter measures, stating that everyone crossing the border should be detained for processing, including assessing asylum claims. He criticized the executive order for exempting child trafficking and highlighted the exploitation of unaccompanied minors by criminal cartels and smuggling organizations.
While the executive order aims to reduce the number of migrants processed at the border, Del Quedo pointed out logistical challenges and uncertainties regarding individuals from countries other than Mexico. He raised concerns about the influence of drug cartels and smuggling networks in determining who crosses the border.
Regarding a bipartisan bill introduced in Congress for border security, Del Quedo shifted the responsibility to the current administration, citing a lack of decisive action. He criticized President Biden for not taking sufficient steps to address the border crisis.
When questioned about former President Trump's role in the border situation, Del Quedo placed the onus on the current administration, stating that the issue escalated under Biden's leadership. He emphasized the need for comprehensive detention policies to combat illegal border crossings and child trafficking.
Del Quedo's remarks underscore the ongoing challenges at the border and the differing perspectives on how to address them effectively. The debate surrounding border security measures continues as stakeholders seek solutions to manage the influx of migrants and combat criminal activities along the border.