Lawmakers want Biden administration to focus on threats at northern border
House Republicans are taking action to strengthen security along the U.S.-Canada border as concerns about illegal immigration grow. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., is spearheading a new bill that would mandate the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an annual threat assessment of the northern border. Additionally, the bill would require DHS to update its enforcement strategy for the northern border within 90 days of the threat assessment’s publication.
While the Biden administration has been dealing with a crisis at the southern border, the northern border has also seen a surge in activity. Despite having significantly fewer resources, the U.S.-Canada border has experienced a notable increase in encounters. In fiscal year 2020, there were 2,019 Customs and Border Patrol agents stationed at the northern border, compared to 16,878 at the southern border. However, the number of encounters at the northern border has more than quadrupled since then.
According to data from Langworthy’s office, the first seven months of fiscal year 2024 witnessed 9,460 apprehensions at the northern border, almost double the total for the entire previous fiscal year. This alarming trend has prompted Langworthy to rally support for his bill, which currently has 13 co-sponsors, including Republicans from northern border states.
Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., a co-sponsor of the bill, highlighted the significant surge in illegal crossings at the northern border since President Biden assumed office. She emphasized the need to address this issue to safeguard national security and protect communities. Another co-sponsor, Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., attributed the increased pressure on the northern border to the deteriorating situation at the southern border.
On the other hand, Democrats have criticized Republicans for exacerbating the border crisis by rejecting a bipartisan overhaul of border and immigration policies earlier this year. GOP lawmakers argued that the proposed legislation fell short of adequately addressing the gravity of the situation.
The White House, in response to the ongoing debate, stated that Republicans in Congress prioritized partisan interests over national security by opposing comprehensive reforms. Despite the political tensions, the issue of border security remains a pressing concern that requires bipartisan cooperation.
