John Bolton, former national security adviser for ex-President Donald Trump, has raised concerns about serious threats to U.S. national security due to the influx of migrants at the southern border. Immigration has become a key issue leading up to the 2024 presidential election, with President Joe Biden facing scrutiny over his administration’s handling of the border amidst a surge in illegal crossings. Data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows that nearly 300,000 migrants entered the U.S. through Mexico in December alone, with a total of approximately 2.5 million encounters with migrants in 2021, surpassing previous records.
Bolton highlighted his worries about the open nature of the border, stating that criminal drug cartels have been exploiting weaknesses in border protection and there is a possibility of terrorists and foreign espionage agents entering the country through this route. He specifically expressed concern about potential smuggling of chemical and biological weapons, as well as the increasing number of Chinese nationals encountered at the border. Bolton emphasized the risk of individuals with harmful intentions taking advantage of the lax border security and stressed the need for tighter controls to prevent such threats.
The former national security adviser suggested that the main concern lies not in the volume of illegal immigration but in the potential national security risks posed by individuals entering the country illegally. Bolton advocated for a policy of controlled legal immigration, where the U.S. decides who is allowed to enter the country rather than leaving it to chance. He asserted that establishing deterrence, as Trump did, is crucial in preventing illegal immigration, as it sends a message that crossing the border without authorization will not be tolerated.
While Bolton commended Trump’s border policies for establishing deterrence, he criticized Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for undoing those measures and sending signals that encouraged more migrants to attempt illegal crossings. Bolton argued that changing the mindset of potential border crossers is key to preventing further influx, as making it clear that it would be futile to attempt to cross illegally can dissuade people from making the journey. He emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration laws and maintaining strong border security to protect national interests and sovereignty.
In his assessment of the current situation at the border, Bolton pointed out the possibility of various threats, including espionage, smuggling of weapons, and the presence of foreign agents among migrants. He called for a more proactive approach to border security and greater vigilance in identifying and preventing potential risks. Bolton’s concerns about the implications of the open border for national security highlight the complex challenges facing the U.S. in managing immigration and border control, underscoring the need for a comprehensive strategy to address these issues effectively.
