SC New York News

Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) along with 22 House Republicans have penned a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, expressing their concerns over the surge in illegal border crossings along the Northern border. The letter, co-led by Northern Border Security Caucus Chairs Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Ryan Zinke (R-MT), as well as House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY), emphasizes the need for immediate action to address this pressing issue.

The members of the caucus highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, "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 orchestrated border crisis, with Langworthy remarking, "Every state has now become a border state under your leadership – or lack thereof."

According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) data, Border Patrol agents have apprehended a significant number of individuals illegally crossing the Northern border. In the first four months of Fiscal Year 2024, there have been 4,772 apprehensions, marking a 114% increase from the same period in FY 2023. The lawmakers also raised concerns about the spike in drug smuggling along the Northern Border, particularly fentanyl and synthetic opioids, which pose a severe threat to public health.

CBP data reveals that the amount of fentanyl seized in the first four months of FY 2024 at the Northern Border is nearly double the quantity confiscated throughout all of FY 2023. Fentanyl, known as the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, has become a major concern for law enforcement agencies combating drug trafficking.

The Northern Border Security Caucus's letter underscores the urgent need for Secretary Mayorkas to address the escalating crisis at the Northern border and take decisive action to prevent illegal crossings and drug smuggling. The full text of the letter can be accessed for further details on the lawmakers' demands and recommendations.