Border Security Alliance reacts to Biden administration move to send troops to border

YUMA, Ariz. – Border Security Alliance Chairman Jonathan Lines released the following statement regarding the Biden administration’s decision to deploy 1,500 active-duty troops to the United States-Mexico border:

“For more than a year, the Border Security Alliance and community leaders from San Diego, California to Brownsville, Texas have been calling on the Biden administration to deploy more security resources on the U.S.-Mexico border. For too long, international criminal organizations have viewed the border as an open door, an unguarded gateway for human smuggling, fentanyl trafficking, and the movement of other illicit drugs and counterfeit goods. Border communities pay the price for this dysfunction, as it places strains on communities’ law enforcement and social service providers that simply aren’t sustainable, and as we’ve seen in Texas, it risks disruption to legitimate trade and commerce.

“The White House announcement that it will send 1,500 troops to the border to assist Homeland Security as we approach the May 11 end of Title 42 is welcome news. We’ve been critical of the administration’s foot-dragging in enhancing border security during this surge of migrants at the border, the majority of whom have been lied to and taken advantage of by sophisticated smuggling networks, so while we wish this action had been taken sooner, we appreciate the help. The deployment of troops is an acknowledgement that Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection do not have the staffing levels necessary to secure the border and effectively do their jobs.

“We appreciate the work of Arizona Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly and the congressional delegation for their continued communications to the White House that May 11 is likely to be total chaos on the border unless DHS is better prepared for the onslaught. A troop deployment is necessary, but Congress’ involvement is required if we’re going to pass lasting policy that better aligns the law with the needs of the border.”

Mr. Lines also represents District 2 on the Yuma County Board of Supervisors. His May 1 presentation to the Board on the latest border security situation can be viewed online.