American Borders Under Siege: Beyond the Breaking Point with No End in Sight to Massive Migration as 650,000 in Mexico Seek to Cross Illegally
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Alexandria, VA - The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) released the following statement from NSA President Sheriff Greg Champagne (St. Charles Parish, LA) in response to the lifting of Title 42 today.
The Sheriffs of America are fed up with the Biden Administration's failed strategy to address the ongoing border surge of illegal immigration. Millions upon millions of immigrants flooding into the United States is unsustainable from both a security and an economic standpoint. This policy is making all Americans less safe and is ignoring the Rule of Law.
Our border communities are already overwhelmed and now preparing for an even greater influx of migrants this week. In 2021, Federal lCE agents received stand-down orders and, coupled with moderating border security action, this became an open invitation to anyone seeking entry into the US. That policy must be reversed.
Local law enforcement agencies and governments continue to lack the resources to secure our border communities and to protect those coming into the country. Despite this humanitarian crisis, the Administration has yet to create a single disincentive to prohibit migrants from coming to the U.S. In fact, the Administration is doing the opposite through its rhetoric of a closed border and limited interior enforcement. The message is clear in the results we are experiencing today: “It is okay to come.” This rhetoric must change.
Words and action must be forthcoming immediately from the Administration to dissuade anyone seeking to cross the border. In addition to the millions of immigrants, hundreds of thousands of "got-aways" are sneaking in, overwhelming communities. In 2022 alone, there were 1.4 million "got-aways." They have little fear of being captured. Now, more than ever, interior enforcement needs to be re-evaluated.
America’s Sheriffs implore the President to issue an immediate order to secure the border and take measurable steps to discourage further illegal migration.
Efforts at a cooperative diplomatic strategy have failed. A new initiative needs to be developed with our neighbors to prohibit persons from traversing their countries and into the U.S. illegally. “Wait and see“ or “wish and see” is not a solution. Furthermore, the President should direct the Secretary of DHS to immediately implement an operational and diplomatic plan that prevents anyone currently migrating through Mexico to stop and return to their home countries and seek home country or third-country asylum. The President must commit to deporting anyone caught at the borders or in the interior immediately.
America's Sheriffs stand ready to work with the Administration on a strategy to protect the integrity of our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens and communities. The time for action is now.
In 2021, NSA proposed 16 actions to stem the flow of migrants which can be found here.
About The National Sheriffs’ Association:
The National Sheriffs’ Association is one of the largest non-profit associations of law enforcement professionals in the United States, representing more than 3,000 elected sheriffs across the nation, and with a total membership of approximately 10,000 individuals. NSA is dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among sheriffs, their deputies, and others in the field of law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice. Throughout its eighty-three year history, NSA has also served as an information resource for all law enforcement, as well as local, state, and federal government agencies.
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