Recent months, a troubling trend has emerged along the Texas border, where illegal aliens are collaborating with criminal networks to steal oil from the Permian Basin. This alarming development has put America on edge, prompting Rep. Tony Gonzales to take decisive action.
Representing a district spanning 800 miles of the Texas border, Gonzales has mobilized local and federal law enforcement to address this issue comprehensively. He emphasizes that beyond being a border security problem, this is also an energy security concern that threatens the region’s economy and national security.
Gonzales’s efforts come in response to a significant increase in oil theft, with over 30,000 barrels stolen from the Permian Basin since October 2022, as reported by oil producer ConocoPhillips. This rampant theft includes not just oil but also equipment, vehicles, and other materials from small, independent oil producers.
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Matt Coday, president of the Oil & Gas Workers Association, describes the situation as an existential threat to national security, underlining the severity of the problem. Sheriff Darin Mitchell and District Attorney Amanda Navarette echo these concerns, highlighting the impact of oil theft on local communities where the oil industry is a major employer.
Gonzales’s initiative aims to address the root causes of this theft, including border insecurity and the activities of criminal cartels. He has connected local law enforcement agencies with the FBI Task Force to create a comprehensive approach to combat this multifaceted problem.
However, the challenge is exacerbated by Joe Biden’s open border policies, which provide a fertile ground for criminal cartels to operate with impunity along the border. Despite the severity of the situation, it’s uncertain whether the Biden administration will take meaningful action given its stance on the oil industry and border enforcement.
Gonzales’s proactive approach underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the border crisis and its implications for national security and economic stability. By engaging with law enforcement and raising awareness, Gonzales is working to protect America’s energy resources and communities from the harmful effects of criminal activity.
