Tenney says more northern border protection needed from influx of illegal immigrants

Editor

The ongoing catastrophe at the border is a direct result of the pro-criminal, anti-American policies of the Biden-Harris administration. Under its failed policy decisions, there has been an unprecedented spike in illegal crossings at our Northern Border, including an 846% increase in one sector alone, putting the safety of our families at risk.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, many with criminal records, have been released into the United States. As of July 2024, data shows that the Biden-Harris administration has released 425,431 convicted criminals and 222,141 individuals with pending criminal charges into the United States. Among them, 62,231 were convicted of assault; 56,533 of drug-related offenses; 14,301 of burglary; 15,811 of sexual assault; and 13,099 of homicide.

These criminal illegal immigrants are allowed to remain in our country under Kamala Harris’ border policies. The Biden-Harris administration has failed to remove 99.7% of the illegal immigrants released into the United States, contributing to the rising numbers of criminals in our neighborhoods. Many have committed heinous crimes against American citizens, such as the murders of mother-of-five Rachel Morin, college student Laken Riley, and 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray.

In Rochester, an illegal alien who had been apprehended by DHS in 2023 was released and then murdered Joselyn Jhoana Toaquiza on her birthday, later burying her in a public park. These vicious and heart wrenching acts could have been prevented with strong border policies and an end to pro-criminal bail reform practices that allow dangerous criminals to be released back into our communities. House Republicans passed the Laken Riley Act, of which I am an original co-sponsor, to ensure that illegal aliens charged with a crime remain in police custody until their cases are adjudicated. Our immigration laws must prioritize the safety of American citizens and ensure that criminals are deported.

The surge in illegal crossings at the Northern Border also poses a significant threat to our national security. Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, 85% of individuals on the terror watchlist attempting to enter our country illegally have crossed over the Northern Border.

Needless to say, our Northern Border is under siege. More people crossed the Swanton Sector of our Northern Border in 2023 alone than in the entire period from 2012 through 2022. In fiscal year 2024, that record has already more than doubled, with 15,612 encounters reported from October to July.

To address this dangerous situation, I have introduced legislation to establish a Northern Border Coordination Center. This will enable the Department of Homeland Security to effectively implement the Northern Border Strategy, enhance training, and improve information-sharing among federal, state, local, and international partners. By doing so, we can secure the Northern Border and protect NY-24.

New Yorkers deserve a government that provides for secure borders and safe communities. I will continue to advocate for policies that protect our border, support law enforcement, and ensure the safety and prosperity of our families. We must stop the flow of dangerous criminals and terrorists into our country through the Northern Border.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, NY-24

Cleveland, Oswego County