On Sunday, December 3, 2023, a slender Republican majority in the House successfully garnered support from a growing faction of Democrats, effectively blocking a Biden administration initiative that aimed to utilize federal lands for housing illegal migrants. Six Democrats aligned with Republicans, voicing concerns over President Joe Biden’s plan to transform federal lands into migrant camps for tens of thousands of illegal aliens released into the United States interior.
The bipartisan coalition, led by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and comprising Reps. Henry Cuellar, Don Davis, Jared Golden, Vicente Gonzalez Jr., Mary Peltola, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, united to pass the “Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act.” This legislation aims to curb President Biden’s controversial plans to house illegal aliens on federal lands.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, both Democrats, obtained approval from the Biden administration to relocate border crossers and illegal aliens to Floyd Bennett Field, adding momentum to the legislative move. Rep. Malliotakis emphasized the potential negative impact on local communities and taxpayers, arguing that transforming federal parks into migrant encampments is unjust, particularly during a time when the city faces financial challenges.
The surge in illegal aliens being released into American communities has reached unprecedented levels under the Biden administration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General estimates that over 60,000 illegal aliens are being released into the U.S. interior monthly, surpassing 720,000 over the course of a year.
This surge has prompted increased criticism of President Biden, who, despite committing to enhancing border security and constructing a new section of the border wall in September, has faced escalating challenges at the southern border. In September alone, there were 269,735 migrant encounters, with 218,763 entering illegally, marking a significant increase from previous fiscal years.
Notably, the encounters included 18 individuals on the terror watch list between ports of entry, surpassing the combined numbers of the last six fiscal years. In response, Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller ordered a surge in personnel and resources to address the high rates of encounters, emphasizing increased deportation flights to countries like Venezuela, a significant origin of illegal migrants.
In light of the escalating situation, Miller announced a supplemental funding request to provide additional resources, including more CBP agents and officers. The focus is on supporting essential missions such as border and migration management, countering fentanyl, and preventing the entry of dangerous drugs into communities. Commissioner Miller underscored CBP’s commitment to remaining vigilant, making operational adjustments as necessary, and upholding consequences under U.S. immigration law.
