I recently joined Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and eight other freshmen members of Congress on a delegation trip to the U.S.-Mexico border. The purpose of our trip was to gain firsthand insight into the critical issues at our border, and how Congress can help address them. Unfortunately, Democrats and the Biden-Harris administration had put millions of American lives at risk from the flood of crime, drugs and violence enabled by their open border policies.
We started at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, where we met with Customs and Border Protection officers. This port is one of the busiest in the nation, facilitating legal trade and commerce that is vital to both the U.S. and Mexico.
Our border challenges boil down to three key issues: immigration, security and trade. Cartels continue their multibillion-dollar operations in human smuggling and narcotics trafficking, further complicating the border crisis. It’s clear we must maintain robust security measures to ensure both the safety of our citizens and the continued flow of legitimate trade.
The Nogales port of entry plays a crucial role in keeping U.S. supply chains intact, and the border control agents there work tirelessly to ensure the security of both people and goods. These agents are on the front lines, often risking their lives to protect our borders and prevent illegal activity. I had the opportunity to hear from them directly about the unique challenges they face daily. They emphasized the need for Congress to provide consistent support to ensure they have the necessary resources and tools to combat illegal immigration and smuggling operations.
In the evening, we took a nighttime tour of the border wall with members of the National Border Patrol Council, who highlighted the growing threat posed by Mexican cartels, particularly the danger they pose to national security. From the importance of dismantling the network of spotters and informants who enable the cartels to carry out their operations, the work being done by Border Patrol agents and the NBPC is critical to keeping these criminal organizations at bay and ensuring the security of the southern border.
Our trip concluded with a visit to U.S. Northern Command and the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista. As part of the Joint Task Force for Southern Border Operations, these military and law enforcement entities work together with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security to enforce border security and execute immigration laws. This collaboration is essential for maintaining the integrity of our border and ensuring we can uphold the laws that protect American citizens.
I want to thank Rep. Ciscomani for allowing me and my colleagues to witness this invaluable experience firsthand, and for showcasing the hard work our Border Patrol agents are doing to protect both our nation and our economy. The insights I gained during this trip will inform my work in Congress as we find solutions to the border crisis.
Supporting these brave men and women is essential to maintaining a secure and prosperous America, and it is critical that Congress continues to prioritize border security and the safety of American citizens.
Rep. Jeff Hurd represents the 3rd District of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives. Reach him or a staff member at hurd.house.gov/contact.
