Tucson Standard

Arizona Sen. Justine Wadsack criticized President Biden's leadership, referring to him as a "WarMonger" and expressing concerns about the United States' sovereignty. Wadsack stated, "America is under a foreign invasion at our southern Border. America is currently led by a Democrat WarMonger, Joe Biden, who is INTENTIONALLY destroying our Nation’s Sovereignty and the people’s Rights to Safety. Impeach him NOW!"

The border crisis is still ongoing, impacting border towns in more than one state. Nogales and Lukeville in Arizona have had large numbers of migrant crossings, often resulting in dangerous situations and many casualties. Since Joe Biden assumed the presidency, close to 4 million individuals have crossed the border.

The ongoing border situation has caused lawmakers to express mounting concerns about various critical issues. Key issues include human and drug smuggling and the growing influence of cartels in the region. The situation hit a high point in July when a surge in unauthorized border crossings unfolded, notably concentrated in the Tucson region, with up to 2,000 migrants crossing per day. Border Patrol authorities reported a record-breaking number of nearly 40,000 apprehensions.

Worries regarding border security have heightened following a recent assault by Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, on Israel over the past weekend. Figures, including former President Donald Trump, expressed concern over the possible connection between the Hamas terrorists' potential plans and the ongoing border crisis in the US.

In Arizona, the number of migrants arriving as families increased by over 126% from June to August. Border Patrol reported encountering 93,108 migrant families arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in August. Migrants have the opportunity to stay in the country for up to two years, contingent upon the presence of a U.S. sponsor, background checks, and the completion of the necessary applications.

In August, encounters in the Tucson Sector of the Border Patrol increased by 24% from July, reaching the highest level in 16 years. These encounters involved migrants arriving from various countries, including Ecuador and India, with the majority of them being family units.

The situation at the border has raised concerns about national security. Ben Bergquam, Founder of Frontline America, shared footage from the Lukeville border, stating, "They're loading those vans up and taking them to the Ajo Border Patrol station to process them. That means Border Patrol is not on the line out here to the west or out to the east, which allows the cartels to do everything else they want." Bergquam also expressed concern about the recent attacks in Israel and the potential national security threat posed by the ongoing border crisis.

As the border crisis continues, lawmakers and officials are grappling with the complexities of immigration and the impact it has on national security and the sovereignty of the United States.