Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) has reintroduced a resolution urging Joe Biden to remove Vice President Kamala Harris from her role as “Border Czar,” a position she has held for two years. Jackson argues that Harris has failed to address the root cause of migration or halt the daily influx of migrants crossing the border illegally. The resolution calls for the appointment of an experienced and competent leader to replace Harris and tackle the ongoing migrant crisis at the southern border.
Since Biden’s inauguration, over 4.5 million migrants have illegally entered the country, prompting bipartisan demands for Harris’ removal from the immigration oversight role. Jackson has taken a firm stance, making multiple visits to the border in the past two years while noting that Harris has visited only once.
Rep. Ronny Jackson reintroduces resolution to remove Kamala Harris from border czar role https://t.co/MjXQ9gioFw via @JustTheNews
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In the resolution, Jackson stresses the need for a leader who will prioritize the safety of Americans, recognize that border security is a matter of national security, and ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the necessary resources to perform their job effectively and address the flow of fentanyl across the border. Jackson emphasizes that politics should not compromise national security and that change is needed immediately.
The issue of border management prompted bipartisan calls as far back as July 2021 for the appointment of former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to a special executive position to manage the crisis.
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have expressed concern regarding the escalating situation at the southern border, urging the Biden administration to allocate sufficient federal resources to overburdened border communities and recommend changes to immigration policies.
Cuellar’s district, which includes part of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), has experienced a significant increase in encounters with people entering the U.S. illegally. The RGV border patrol sector has seen a 478% increase in such encounters compared to the previous year. Cuellar has called on the administration to pause admitting refugees, immigrants, and migrants (RIMs) and releasing them into communities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of residents and border patrol agents.
Harris, who has been serving as border czar since shortly after assuming office, has faced criticism for her approach to border management. Her focus on diplomatic relations with Central American countries rather than border security has raised concerns among Democrats and Republicans.
In light of the ongoing crisis and bipartisan demands for Harris’ removal from her role as border czar, the Biden administration should take decisive action, although it is unlikely. Nevertheless, appointing a competent and experienced leader dedicated to addressing the root causes of migration, ensuring border security, and protecting the safety of Americans is a necessary step toward resolving the issues at the southern border.
