Under the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott, S.B. 4– a much-needed border security package – was enacted by the Texas State Legislature
By Cong. Tony Gonzales
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Texas Insider Report) — In just over three years, President Joe Biden's policies have plunged our nation into a state of crisis. From out-of-control spending, to his "Green New Deal" agenda, Joe Biden has catered to radical far-left interests instead of "Putting America First."
Chief among Joe Biden's failures have been – his negligence at the border.
In my Texas district, the largest stretch of the border in Congress, Biden’s pro-amnesty policies have turned our lives upside down.Meanwhile, dangerous gangs like "Tren de Aragua" have infiltrated American communities – and lethal narcotics are poisoning our children.
To date, over 9.5 million illegal immigrants have been encountered at the border, with an additional 2 million entering undetected.
Three years ago, small border cities like Eagle Pass and Del Rio were low-profile. Today, they dominate headlines.
I represent these communities – and they are tired of being on the front cover of this crisis. They want to feel safe again.
Despite abandonment by the federal government, the State of Texas has fought back against illegal immigration with remarkable success. Under the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott, S.B. 4 – a much-needed border security package – was enacted by the state legislature last year. As a result, Texas Law Enforcement has been given the authority to arrest people for crossing our border illegally.
These new consequences, in addition to Governor Abbott's "Operation Lone Star," have sent a strong message that Texas is nobody’s doormat.
In Congress, House Republicans have also passed legislation to crack down on illegal immigration.
H.R. 2, known as the "Secure the Border Act," would tackle asylum fraud, end "catch and release", and resume effective Trump initiatives like the Remain in Mexico Policy. Unfortunately, partisan gridlock has prevented virtually any improvements to border security policies.
In the meantime, one of the few available tools to act on this issue is the federal appropriations process, through which direct funding for Border Security has been made possible.
For example, Congressional members along the border – like me – have been able to provide Local Law Enforcement with new policing equipment and resources to fight back against illegal immigration. That said, without policy changes to the White House’s immigration agenda, these new dollars can only go so far.
There's a saying in the Lone Star State:
“As Texas goes, so goes the nation.”
Perhaps it's time for Washington to pay mind to that advice.
“As Texas goes, so goes the nation.”
Perhaps it's time for Washington to pay mind to that advice.
While the White House has plunged our country into turmoil, Texas serves as a beacon of hope – showcasing what can happen when common-sense leaders work together to deliver for the American people.
Congressman Tony Gonzales is a dedicated patriot with 20 years of Military Experience. Abandoned by his father at the age of two months, he's worked hard to succeed his entire life – and at age of 18 dropped out of High School with one credit left to graduate in order to join the military. As a career cryptologist in the U.S. Navy, he rose to the highest enlisted rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, and with multiple deployments to the Middle East & Asia, as well as support of combat operations in Iraq & Afghanistan, he has firsthand experience regarding the security challenges that face our nation.
