San Antonio Standard

Rep. Tony Gonzales, along with Reps. Mike Kelly, Ryan Zinke, Nick Langworthy, and Elise Stefanik, has called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to address the surge in apprehensions along the northern border. The Members expressed their concerns about the unprecedented increase in illegal crossings, citing data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Border Patrol Agents apprehended 10,021 aliens illegally crossing the northern border in Fiscal Year 2023, with 2,229 apprehensions in the first four months alone. The situation has escalated in FY 2024, with 4,772 subjects already apprehended in the first four months, marking a 114% increase from the previous year. The Members noted that Border Patrol agents are on track to apprehend a record number of illegal immigrants at the northern border in FY 2024.

In a letter to Secretary Mayorkas, the Members stated, "While the Southwest Border has been overrun with drug smugglers, we cannot allow another avenue for deadly, illegal drugs into our country and our communities." They criticized the Biden administration for downplaying the seriousness of the border crisis and highlighted the impact on all states, stating, "Every state has now become a border state under your leadership – or lack thereof."

A total of 22 House Republicans, including Rep. Gonzales, signed the letter, calling for action to address the escalating situation at the northern border.