The Biden-Harris administration has found itself in a bit of a pickle concerning the state of the U.S. southern border. While they continue to insist that there is no crisis at the border, recent testimony has thrown a big wrench into that narrative. A retired senior Customs and Border Protection agent, Aaron Hickey, revealed some startling figures during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing that could leave the administration scratching their heads.
Before the current administration took its seat, the San Diego sector managed to keep illegal crossings down to a mere 10 to 15 arrests per year. However, once folks caught wind of the administration’s more lenient stance on border security, those numbers skyrocketed. In 2022 alone, the sector saw over 100,000 illegal crossings, with even more expected this year. And these figures only account for the individuals who were apprehended. Just imagine how many slipped through the cracks! This information was reportedly kept under wraps, likely to maintain the illusion that everything was under control.
Compounding the situation, a recent poll from Scripps Ipsos indicates that American voters are more than ready to take a firm stance on this issue. Sixty-one percent of respondents favor mass deportations of individuals residing in the country illegally. This includes an impressive 86% of Republicans, 25% of Democrats, and 58% of independents. It seems that despite the government’s efforts to downplay the situation, the electorate is not buying into the narrative that the border is secure.
In the midst of this chaos, some prominent Democratic figures have resorted to fear-mongering tactics. For example, Hillary Clinton has been busy attempting to paint Donald Trump’s proposed immigration policies as draconian, suggesting that they could lead to the mass detainment of innocent people, seemingly based on their appearance. Critics are raising eyebrows at these claims, reminding everyone that previous administrations—yes, even the Obama administration—implemented strict immigration policies without the dramatic flair currently being portrayed. In fact, that very administration was sometimes referred to as the “mass deporter.”
The numbers seem to speak for themselves. Public sentiment is not as divided as some might want to believe; this is not just a Republican issue. Voters across the board are starting to wake up to the reality that the border is not the secure place it once was, and many are calling for action. The border situation is not just a concern for those living in border states anymore; it has ripple effects that impact the entire nation. From those laboring in fields to those working in our restaurants, the implications of lax border policies are beginning to hit home.
During an eye-opening visit to the San Diego border sector, observations made by a journalist revealed a substantial gap in the border wall—a gap that appeared to have been purposely left unattended. In full view, groups of individuals were spotted crossing the border, some in flip-flops, hailing from countries such as India, Guatemala, and Colombia. Upon asking these individuals about their intent, the responses were telling; few claimed they were seeking asylum. Instead, they openly expressed their desire for work. So, as the debate rages on, the question remains: is a stern approach to immigration really such a bad idea? It seems like the majority of Americans are ready for some decisive action.
