To open 2023, the Department of Homeland Security reported the highest number of illegal encounters of any January on record in the past 20 years — 156,274. Compared to January 2020 when Border Patrol encountered 36,585 illegal immigrants, this total represents an increase of over 300 percent.
This increased foot traffic at the border complicates the jobs of Border Patrol agents because it's more difficult to detect deadly drugs, like fentanyl, from entering the country. As a result of lackadaisical immigration policies out of Washington, over 100,000 Americans died by overdose within a 12 month period for the first time in our nation's history. Additionally, the streamline of fentanyl into American communities was a key driver behind the 643 reported drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee County alone last year.
Americans deserve concrete action to keep deadly fentanyl and criminals out of our communities.
Instead of neglecting Border Patrol and encouraging illegal immigration, it's the responsibility of our government to put the safety and security of America first by securing our border. As your Representative, I'm working to ensure Border Patrol has the necessary support and funds from Washington to prevent illegal border crossings and human and drug trafficking by cartels by holding committee hearings, introducing legislation, and speaking with Border Patrol agents and leadership about the challenges they face.
