On Wednesday's broadcast of Fox News Channel's “The Story,” White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby was asked why President Joe Biden won't end catch-and-release. He said there are limits to what administrative action can do, and many countries have large numbers of immigrants.
Host Martha McCallum said:[W]We saw how the Supreme Court decided this decision, and what's happening now as a result of that is that the razor wire that was in place to prevent people from crossing has now been removed. It means that it is. So I think it's a legitimate question that the president can take executive action regarding the border. He could end catch-and-release and avoid thousands of people coming to this country and fleeing 800 times a day. I mean, John, it doesn't seem like he has enough fire in his belly to keep people out. He seems to want it, but the other way around is also fine. ”
Mr. Kirby replied: “I don't think he has any sense of urgency about the need for border security. And he's willing to take some of the duties and some of the responsibilities off the Border Patrol so they can focus on immigration itself. We have taken several administrative actions, including dispatching U.S. troops to the area.”
Mr. Kirby added after defending the push to remove the wires, saying it would help the Border Patrol accomplish its mission. “But there is no lack of urgency about the importance of border operations. But look, there are limits to executive action, and certainly he is afraid to take advantage of them.” not.”
McCallum then said: “He says he's been worrying about it for three years. But it's clearly failing, because record numbers of people coming into the country mean the policy is failing. So why not shift gears and do something effective?”
Kirby replied: “I think it's important to put this in context, too, Martha. As you rightly said, there are record numbers of people. And it's not just in the United States. [is] Many countries in the hemisphere, including Mexico, are facing that pressure. [are] They face enormous pressure on their southern borders.Currently more people are moving in this hemisphere than there [have] It's been since World War II. ”
Kirby also said the border needs more resources.
to follow Ian Hanchett's Twitter @Ian Hanchett
