In a recent town hall discussion, the focus turned to the ongoing migrant crisis at the southern border. Former Congressman Will Hurd, hailing from San Antonio, shed light on this pressing issue. Drawing attention to a statement made by Nikki Haley, whom he supports, Hurd emphasized that the controversy surrounding busing migrants to sanctuary cities has brought much-needed attention to a problem that has plagued Texas for years. He applauded Haley for recognizing the need to secure the border, increase deportations, and streamline legal immigration to meet the demands of the workforce and industry.
Hurd, who has engaged in discussions with Haley, expressed confidence in her ability to address and resolve the border issues with specificity and in real-time. He underscored the importance of understanding the nuances surrounding asylum and the recent influx of illegal immigrants, with a record-breaking 302,000 people entering the country unlawfully in a single month. Hurd also highlighted the significance of working with allies in Mexico, Central, and South America, given that the majority of immigration is originating from these regions.
When asked about the White House's role in tackling the crisis, Hurd acknowledged that the problem began with former President Donald Trump changing asylum policies, and the subsequent continuation of these policies by President Joe Biden. He urged the Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol to utilize their authority to deport more individuals while differentiating between genuine asylum seekers and those seeking employment opportunities.
Regarding Governor DeSantis' suggestion of allowing agents to shoot to kill, Hurd expressed caution. While he acknowledged the need for Border Patrol agents to defend themselves and protect the innocent, he dismissed the idea of a 'shoot first, ask questions later' policy. Instead, he advocated for treating drug smugglers as terrorist organizations, gathering intelligence to dismantle their networks, and employing necessary force when dealing with these nefarious actors.
Hurd concluded by pointing out that the humanitarian crisis at the southern border has been ongoing for years, and what is needed is comprehensive leadership that can address the multitude of complex issues at play. While he acknowledged that the use of force is sometimes necessary, ensuring the safety of Border Patrol agents and innocent individuals, he stressed the importance of utilizing intelligence and working with allies to dismantle the networks facilitating illegal activities at the border.
As discussions surrounding the migrant crisis continue, it is clear that finding effective solutions requires nuanced understanding, cooperation with allies, and a comprehensive approach that balances security with humanitarian concerns. The views expressed by Hurd shed light on some potential strategies and highlight the complexity of addressing this thorny issue.
