President Ignores Border Violence to Advance Political Agenda- Wednesday Hearing to Provide Realistic Border Security Assessment

"The President is not giving the American people a complete picture of security on our border with Mexico. The cartels have significantly increased their presence inside the United States. The data on spillover crime and violence is deceiving and underreported. While we have more resources, the border is more dangerous. Between 70 and 90 percent of Texas' 1,200-mile border with Mexico is still not under operational control. The firsthand accounts of our state and local law enforcement tell the real story of how we are outmanned, overpowered and in danger of losing our own communities to narco-terrorists.

"Before we start talking about reforming our immigration policy we need to prioritize our national security and gain operational control of the border. Despite the President’s rhetoric that he has gone ‘above and beyond’ to secure the border, this mission is not accomplished. The President can start by extending the deployment of National Guardtroops beyond June 30 and increase their numbers and authority. An assessment of our border security and what resources are needed to address it will be discussed at tomorrow's hearing.”