Experts are sounding the alarm on the border crisis, issuing stark warnings about the national security implications of the surge after December's record number of migrant encounters was broken.
Former El Paso U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte appeared on “Fox News Live” to discuss record numbers of encounters with migrants and the possibility of terrorist attacks as illegal immigrants flood the porous southern border. He explained why he was concerned.
“We spent Christmas and New Year preparing for a terrorist attack,” Almonte told host Molly Lyne on Monday.
“Fortunately, nothing like that happened, but I think the terrorists are already in the United States. They are planning a terrorist attack and will carry it out when we least expect it. And it'll be over, finally a wake-up call [we] It will protect the borders. ”
Liberal mayors ask Biden to declare state of emergency and provide additional funding to address immigration crisis
CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO – DECEMBER 27: People camp while waiting to cross the Mexico-US border on December 27, 2023 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. (Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“I just don't understand what's going on,” he continued. “I am very concerned about the current border situation.”
CBP officials confirmed to Fox that the agency had more than 302,000 encounters with immigrants in December, a record high. Furthermore, since October 1, the number of encounters with migrants has reached 785,000, which also shattered the previous quarterly record.
According to CBP, there were 17 human encounters between ports of entry. southern border In November, he was placed on the FBI's terrorist watch list.
“I just can't believe what's happening on the southwest border,” Almonte said.
Cochise County, Arizona, Sheriff Mark Dannels also addressed the ongoing crisis, reacting to the record numbers and noting that there are no successful elements of the Biden administration's border security efforts.
“We witness tragedies every day,” Dannels said. “We are witnessing the death of immigrants, but no one is talking about it. We have a record number of fentanyl epidemics, narcotics and illegal substances circulating, terrorists coming into our country, and the consequences of this. The economic impact will be visible.' ”
Migration negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico also included the benefit of “controlling” illegal immigrants living in the U.S.
“No matter what box you look at… there is no box to check success at this point,” he continued.
The White House is currently requesting: $14 billion Border funding is also being provided as part of the emergency funding request, but it has stalled as Republicans have called for additional restrictions on asylum and the use of government parole to prevent domestic release. There is.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (center) is seen with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (top left (partially covered)) and Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena (top left (partially covered)) at the National Palace, the presidential palace and official residence. (top right). Mexico City, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas traveled to Mexico City as part of a U.S. delegation and met with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
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In a joint statement, countries affirmed their commitment to “orderly, humane and regular migration”, tackling the “root causes” of migration, stopping people smuggling and promoting private investment, as well as He also emphasized efforts to invest in “ambitious development programs” around the world. region.
“Change has to happen in 2024. If we don't see change and elections are going to have consequences, there is no better time than now in terms of elections and people's involvement in elections to see that.” warned Dannels.
“Never forget 9/11. We are living in a time of global anxiety right now,” he continued. “We need to protect our nation's borders. Leaving all borders open now puts all Americans at risk.”
Fox News' Griff Jenkins and Adam Shaw contributed to this report.
