The current surge in illegal immigration and the trafficking of dangerous substances such as fentanyl has become a national emergency that has directly impacted Iowa. The numbers are startling; Iowa currently houses more than 50,000 illegal immigrants, and since President Biden took office, over 9 million individuals, including 1.8 million “got-aways,” have crossed our borders. This influx surpasses the population of 36 different states, including our own.
However, the crisis extends beyond just numbers. Alongside the surge in illegal immigration, we’ve witnessed a disturbing increase in crime, particularly the trafficking of fentanyl. In just the first four months of 2024, the DEA has seized a staggering 17.9 million fentanyl pills (even more went undetected) – enough to potentially eliminate every Iowan five times over.
The impact of this deadly drug has already been devastating. In 2023 alone, over 112,000 Americans, including nearly 500 Iowans, fell victim to fentanyl. These numbers are expected to rise in 2024. Every death represents a family shattered, a community grieving, and a future extinguished. This is why we need to take urgent action. Fentanyl has plagued our state for far too long.
I grew up near the border; I know firsthand that illegal immigration is a challenge that our country has long faced. However, the scale at which it is happening today is unprecedented. President Obama’s Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson once said that 1,000 people coming across our border in a day is a crisis. We now have over 5,000 people coming across our border daily. Many of them have a criminal record or even contagious diseases, but we process them without knowing their background. Under President Trump, we used to have strong policies such as ‘Remain in Mexico’, which required migrants seeking asylum to remain in Mexico until their immigration court date, but President Biden revoked it.
Fortunately, House Republicans have taken action to address this crisis by introducing and passing H.R. 2 – a landmark border and immigration bill. This comprehensive legislation allocates resources to strengthen border security, including the construction of 200 miles of additional border wall and the expansion of Border Patrol personnel to 22,000 agents. Moreover, it enhances screening protocols to prevent individuals from exploiting our immigration system and bolsters enforcement measures to uphold the rule of law.
These provisions are not merely symbolic; they are essential for our safety and security. By fortifying our borders and empowering law enforcement, we can slow down illegal crossings and disrupt the flow of illicit drugs into our communities. The passage of H.R. 2 represents a critical step forward in addressing the Biden Border Crisis and protecting all Americans. I urge the Senate to bring H.R. 2 back to the table so we can begin securing our border, stopping the influx of fentanyl and preventing people on the terror watch list from entering our country.
