U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) | house.gov
U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) | house.gov
U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) underscored the link he perceives between illegal immigration and the influx of fentanyl across the southern border, attributing it as a major factor in the mortality rate among young Americans. His remarks follow a surge in migrant numbers at the southern border, which has strained resources and led to operational suspensions, prompting officials to call for effective solutions.
Van Orden said, "Massive illegal immigration is a local problem." He further added that "The leading cause of death of Americans age 18-45 is fentanyl" and "90% comes over the southern border and to our local communities". The Congressman also noted that "Republicans in congress have been working to stop this."
Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported that sources from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated there were over 12,600 migrant encounters at the southern border on Dec.18 through Dec. 19, marking an all-time high for single-day totals. The actual figure could be significantly higher as thousands are awaiting processing in Eagle Pass, not yet included in the official count. The official figures include over 11,000 Border Patrol apprehensions of illegal immigrants and more than 1,600 migrants encountered at CBP ports of entry, surpassing the previous record of 12,000 encounters set just two weeks prior.
Van Orden's quote
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According to a Fox News report citing data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University, the backlog of cases in U.S. Immigration Court has exceeded three million pending cases. November's reported backlog saw an increase of one million within the past year alone. TRAC also found that immigration judges are handling an average of 4,500 pending cases each.
A CNN report revealed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a temporary halt on international railway crossing operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas due to an influx of migrants crossing the border. This move redirected personnel to handle migrant processing starting on Dec. 18.
In another report by CNN, it was reported that on Monday, Dec. 18, Republican Governor Greg Abbott of Texas signed SB 4 into law. This legislation makes illegal entry into Texas a state crime and grants local law enforcement the authority to arrest migrants and judges the power to order their removal to Mexico. The law is set to come into effect in March.
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