A bipartisan group of New York county leaders recently traveled to the US-Mexico border and witnessed a lack of security and technology that has allowed thousands of people to enter the US unvetted, leading to a migrant crisis in New York. In a scathing letter addressed to President Biden, the New York State Association of Counties outlined 10 issues that require immediate attention, including securing the border, adding more immigration judges, streamlining communications between federal and local officials, and fast-tracking paperwork. The group urged the president to address the migrant crisis and implement comprehensive reforms to the immigration system to protect communities, migrants, and uphold the values of the United States.
The county leaders expressed concern about the national security risk posed by the porous border barrier, manned by understaffed US Border Patrol agents equipped with outdated technology. They highlighted a specific crossing in New Mexico where 34,000 asylum seekers have entered the country since October, with many being smuggled in by Mexican cartels. Border patrol agents have reportedly been instructed to leave the area at night due to cartel control, leaving a lack of information about the individuals who were smuggled in. The county leaders emphasized the need for modern technology, more personnel, and stronger security measures to protect border communities and prevent illegal crossings.
The letter to President Biden highlighted the failure of the current immigration system to effectively deter illegal entry into the United States. The county leaders emphasized the importance of implementing policies that enforce consequences for illegal entry and ensure consistency and uniformity across both the southern and northern borders. They stressed the need for swift and decisive action to address the migrant crisis and secure the border to prevent further human and drug smuggling that poses a threat to communities in New York and across the country. The well-being of communities, the dignity of migrants, and the fundamental values of the United States were cited as dependent on prompt action.
The delegation’s fact-finding trip to the border in El Paso, Texas, and Mexico in late March prompted the letter to President Biden, calling for urgent attention to the crisis at the southern border. The county leaders, including Daniel McCoy, the current Albany County executive, were alarmed by the conditions at the border and the challenges faced by Border Patrol agents in protecting communities from illegal crossings and criminal activities. The trip was organized by the National Association of Counties and included representatives from Orange, Clinton, Erie, Oneida, and Chautauqua counties, who united in their plea for comprehensive reforms and increased security measures at the border.
The New York county leaders emphasized the need for swift and decisive action from President Biden to address the migrant crisis and implement reforms to the immigration system. They called for prioritizing the protection of communities, migrants, and the values of the United States through enhanced border security, modern technology, and improved communication between federal and local authorities. The bipartisan group urged the president to enforce consequences for illegal entry and establish policies that deter smuggling and illegal crossings while ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. The letter serves as a direct response to the alarming conditions observed at the border and the urgent need for effective solutions to protect border communities and uphold national security.
