Inaugurated with the responsibility of ensuring national security and safeguarding American borders, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have faced a significant crisis during their tenure. Nearly four years into their administration, the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border has deteriorated to unprecedented levels, raising questions about their effectiveness in fulfilling this crucial obligation. The stark reality is that Americans are experiencing the repercussions of a border policy that is characterized as chaotic and ineffective, as evidenced by the substantial rise in illegal crossings and a notable decline in immigration law enforcement.
From the outset, the Biden-Harris administration took decisive steps to dismantle the border security measures implemented by former President Donald Trump, prioritizing a new policy direction that ultimately resulted in a dramatic increase in illegal border crossings. There is documented evidence that incoming officials were forewarned by current and past Department of Homeland Security law enforcement personnel about the consequences of abandoning these policies. Despite receiving this guidance, the administration proceeded with its agenda, creating a vacuum of enforcement that has jeopardized public safety and exacerbated the ongoing crisis.
The troubling numbers highlight the gravity of the situation and the apparent neglect of enforcement duties. Reports indicate that since the beginning of the fiscal year 2021, Border Patrol has apprehended over 55,000 illegal aliens with criminal histories. This figure dramatically eclipses the approximately 22,000 criminal arrests made during the Trump administration. Additionally, under Biden and Harris, arrests of criminal aliens by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have plummeted to around 165,000 compared to the more than 480,000 recorded between FY2017-2020. The operational strategies introduced under the current administration, including policies that limit detainment based primarily on convictions, have further weakened border protection efforts.
One of the most alarming consequences of the Biden-Harris approach is the significant rise in the number of dangerous individuals residing within the United States. The non-detained docket managed by ICE has surged to over 7.4 million individuals, many of whom have criminal backgrounds, including serious offenders charged with murder and sexual assault. This significant backlog, along with policies limiting enforcement action against criminal aliens, raises red flags for the safety of American communities. The tragic stories of victims whose lives have been devastated by individuals illegally present in the U.S. serve as painful reminders of the policy’s deadly implications.
In addition to the influx of criminals, the administration has also seen a concerning number of individuals crossing the border who are on terrorist watchlists. Since FY2021, Border Patrol has intercepted 392 such individuals, a stark contrast to the mere 14 apprehended between FY2017-2020. Disturbingly, it’s reported that at least 99 of these individuals were released into the interior of the country. In a climate where the FBI underscores the importance of knowing who is entering the U.S., there is a glaring lack of coordinated efforts from Biden and Harris to ensure comprehensive vetting and protection against potential threats.
The growing number of known gotaways—individuals who evaded apprehension at the border—also indicates a troubling gap in border security, with approximately 2 million individuals unaccounted for. Such figures cast further doubt on the effectiveness of current border management practices. Recent incidents, including the arrest of a foreign national allegedly planning a terrorist attack in the U.S., amplify the concern that inadequate vetting and porous borders may pose significant risks to American security. In conclusion, the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to border security indicates a fundamental failure to uphold their responsibility to protect the American people, leading to dire consequences for public safety and national security.