Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has emphasized the need for border security, stating that his administration will continue to put up wire along the border to prevent people from crossing. With a border spanning 1,250 miles, Patrick likened the distance to that of a journey from Atlanta to Portland, Maine, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The Lieutenant Governor expressed his intentions to continue securing the border by installing wire barriers wherever possible, with plans to replace any cut wires. Patrick recently visited the border to show support for the troops stationed there, and he expressed gratitude that the Biden administration had not sent Border Patrol agents, hoping to avoid confrontation while maintaining border security.
Citing the success of the Trump wall in reducing border crossings, particularly in the Shelby Park area where daily crossings went from 3,000 to virtually zero, Patrick criticized the Biden administration for halting border wall construction. He condemned the administration's actions as indicative of their goals, believing that the border is not a priority for them. Patrick also expressed his belief that Donald Trump will replace President Biden in the upcoming election, claiming that the American people have grown tired of the current administration's approach to border security.
Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Patrick highlighted the involvement of American citizens in smuggling operations along the border. He revealed that out of the 13,163 smugglers apprehended in Texas, 95% were American citizens. Patrick described how cartels collaborate with street gangs in the United States, providing GPS coordinates to coordinate with the individuals being smuggled across the border. This collaboration allows cartels to evade payment to gangs if they fail to pick up the individuals, ensuring that they only pay upon successful delivery. The Lieutenant Governor described the cartels' lucrative business model and stressed the need for cracking down on these criminal activities.
In response to the prevalent smuggling issue, Texas passed a new law that imposes a minimum 10-year sentence for American citizens caught smuggling. Patrick hopes that this legislation will have a significant impact on deterring individuals from participating in these criminal operations.
Lieutenant Governor Patrick concluded the interview by expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. He indicated that there is much more to discuss, and he looks forward to future conversations on the matter.
