Staff Reports
In a strongly-worded letter obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation, more than 20 Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Chip Roy, have demanded an explanation from the Biden administration regarding its shift in policy concerning border wall construction. The letter questions the administration's reversal of its previous commitment not to build more border wall along the southern border.
It highlights a filing made by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on October 5, 2022, which stated there was an "immediate need" for action regarding the border wall. However, Mayorkas appeared to backtrack on this admission.
Border Patrol encounters with migrants crossing the border illegally have surged to over 2 million in both 2022 and 2023, according to federal data, under President Biden's leadership. This significant increase in illegal border crossings has raised concerns among Republicans, who argue that the construction of the southern border wall is a necessary response to the ongoing crisis.
GOP Texas reps demand Biden admin explain reason for only restarting border wall construction in small area https://t.co/hpcr5QAUhQ
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) November 2, 2023
The letter specifically focuses on the public notice issued by DHS, which pertains to building the wall in Starr County, Texas. While the lawmakers welcome this development, they question why construction is not being restarted in other border sectors, given the alarming number of migrants encountered at the border since Biden took office.
Moreover, the planned construction in Starr County is happening amid a lawsuit, and the GOP representatives express concerns that the administration's pledge against border wall construction may negatively impact Texans, as alleged in the lawsuit. Despite this, the administration continues to oppose Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to construct border barriers.
The letter concludes with a call for transparency and accountability, asserting that the American people deserve to know the motivations behind the executive branch's decisions on border security. It is evident that these Republican representatives are not letting go of this issue without a fight.
Additionally, the Biden administration has quietly been filling gaps in the border wall in Yuma, Arizona, which is another significant point for illegal immigration. The administration's response to these demands for an explanation remains to be seen, but it's clear that the border wall issue remains a contentious topic.
