Rep. Crane Addresses Border Crisis: “I Wish I Had Better News”

U.S. Rep. Eli Crane recently addressed a crowd of Trump supporters at ASU’s Mullet Arena in Tempe, Arizona, highlighting his concerns about border security and immigration policies under the Biden administration. Crane, representing Maricopa, criticized the administration’s approach, suggesting that it has led to increased illegal immigration and heightened national security risks.

According to Crane, millions of undocumented individuals have entered the U.S. since President Biden’s comments during a Democratic primary debate, which he interpreted as an invitation for foreigners to flood the border. He claims that this influx has facilitated the entry of criminals, terrorists, and narcotics into the country, all while American citizens struggle with rising living costs.

Crane argued that the administration’s policies, including the termination of Title 42 and the Remain in Mexico program, have weakened U.S. border control. He pointed out that fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, exacerbated by cartel operations in the southern border region. The congressman asserted that the strain of illegal crossings distracts Border Patrol agents, allowing drugs to be smuggled more easily.

The congressman also noted a troubling trend of increased encounters with terrorists at the border and voiced concerns about the lack of adequate vetting processes for military-age individuals entering the country. He emphasized that open-border policies heighten the risk of national security threats amid global conflicts.

Human trafficking remains another critical issue, with Crane revealing that around 450,000 unaccompanied alien children have entered the U.S. under the current administration. An alarming number of these minors were not provided with notices to appear in immigration court, raising concerns about their vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking.

Crane criticized the Democratic Party for its efforts to shift blame onto Republicans regarding border security legislation. He pointed out that a proposed Senate bill allocated significantly more funding to Ukraine than to border security, calling it a deceptive attempt to address the ongoing crisis.

In contrast, he highlighted that House Republicans passed H.R.2, aimed at effectively combating the issues at the southern border. The bill, according to Crane, mandates the construction of a border wall and seeks to end the controversial practice of “catch-and-release.” However, he mentioned that the Democrat-controlled Senate rejected this initiative.

The impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, led by House Republicans, stands as another focal point of Crane’s efforts. He described the impeachment as necessary due to Mayorkas’s alleged failings in managing border security. Despite their efforts, he noted that Senate Democrats impeded the accountability process.

In light of legislative stalemates, Crane has pushed for stronger measures regarding budget negotiations to achieve meaningful border security reforms. He characterized recent Republican leadership decisions as capitulations to Democratic interests and called for more decisive action against illegal immigration.

Despite the challenges faced in Washington, Crane remains optimistic. He introduced the Subterranean Border Defense Act, aimed at monitoring and reporting on illegal tunnels used for cross-border smuggling. This bill passed the House and has garnered bipartisan support, showing potential for progress.

Crane expressed frustration with the political environment, noting an instance where a constituent who lost her daughter to fentanyl was dismissed by Democratic colleagues during a hearing. He described the political climate as disheartening and stressed the need for genuine concern for constituents instead of party agendas.

In closing, Crane reiterated his commitment to advocating for border security, combating human trafficking, and addressing the fentanyl crisis, asserting that a nation without borders isn’t viable. Regardless of political outcomes, he aims to continue his efforts in these areas for the benefit of American citizens.

Eli Crane, Republican Congressman for Maricopa’s Congressional District 2