Under the Trump administration, illegal immigration was rapidly declining thanks to policies like Remain in Mexico
By Cong. Michael McCaul
Texas Insider Report WASHINGTON, D.C. – In my 20 years in Congress – including my time as Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and as a federal prosecutor tasked with securing the Texas Border – I've never seen our border this chaotic. Our border is broken, and this self-inflicted wound is a direct result of this administration's failed polices – including its repeal of Remain in Mexico.
Under the Trump administration, illegal immigration was rapidly declining thanks to policies like Remain in Mexico, which successfully worked to keep migrants in Mexico while awaiting their asylum hearings. But with one stroke of a pen, President Biden rescinded that policy.
Now, we're back to "catch & release," and it is unacceptable.
Now, we're back to "catch & release," and it is unacceptable.
The border is our last line of defense, and this administration has been derelict in its duty to protect the United States and its citizens. This past week, I held a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing to discuss solutions to this international crisis.
- To hear my full opening remarks, click here.
Recently, the Biden administration cut a dangerous, reckless hostage deal that put a price on every American head, all over the world. In this deal, they dropped charges on five Iranian criminals and gave Iran access to $6 billion – $1.2 billion per American returned.
The administration wants the world to believe this money can only be used for "humanitarian purposes" – however, Iran's president has stated otherwise, bragging that his regime would spend it "wherever we need it."
Since Hamas – one of Iran's proxies – invaded Israel and took over 240 hostages, Iran's malign intentions have never been more clear. This administration's hostage deal was an undeniable and catastrophic mistake, and Congress must act to repair the damage.
Since Hamas – one of Iran's proxies – invaded Israel and took over 240 hostages, Iran's malign intentions have never been more clear. This administration's hostage deal was an undeniable and catastrophic mistake, and Congress must act to repair the damage.
This past week, the House passed my No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, blocking the $6 billion from going to Iran – the most consequential thing we can do to stop their financing of vile operations globally.
- To hear my full opening remarks in support of my bill, click here.
In their hands, these $6 billion would place every American in jeopardy, and would only lead to more terror and bloodshed.
- For my full closing remarks, click here
As we approach two months since Hamas' brutal invasion of Israel, Hamas continues to hold dozens of innocent people, including a number of American citizens, hostage. On my committee, we won't stop fighting until all of these innocent people are returned home safely.
This oast week, I joined a committee roundtable with families of Hamas hostages, where I heard the moving stories of their family members and reaffirmed my commitment to bring them home.
One of the mothers of a current hostage recently told me her son's name means "son of light," and that – even as he is held in darkness by Hamas – she knows light will prevail.
That is my belief and my prayer – that light will defeat the darkness of these hostages' captivity. Click below for my full remarks at the roundtable
Congressman Michael McCaul represents Texas' 10th Congressional District, which stretches from Lake Travis outside of Austin to the Brazos Valley and includes: Austin, Bastrop, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Travis, Washington, Waller and Williamson Counties. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and previously – prior to being term-limited as chairman under the House of Representatives Rules – served as the Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee during the 113th, 115th and 116th Congresses.
