Northern Border Security Caucus Engages with Border Czar

Northern Border Security Caucus Seeks Urgent Dialogue with Border Czar Tom Homan

EXCLUSIVE: Lawmakers from the Northern Border Security Caucus are determined to address the increasingly overlooked security issues at the northern border. They are reaching out to border czar Tom Homan for immediate collaboration as illegal crossings and encounters continue to rise.

Request for Meeting with Border Czar

Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Penn.) and Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), co-chairs of the Northern Border Security Caucus, have formally contacted Homan to congratulate him on his recent appointment. They stress in their letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, the urgent need to focus on northern border security, highlighting its neglect amid the ongoing southern border crisis.

Concerning Trends at the Northern Border

While the number of migrant encounters at the northern border is considerably lower than the southern border—recording just under 200,000 encounters for fiscal year 2024—there has been a noticeable upsurge since President Biden took office. In the past fiscal year, the northern border has seen more arrests than the previous decade combined.

“The Northern border has faced an unprecedented rise in encounters during the last administration,” Kelly and Zinke state. “Fiscal year 2024 encounters are up nearly 82% compared to FY2022, with the number of unaccompanied children encountered soaring by 262% during the same period.” They specifically mention the Swanton Sector, where violence occurred, noting a staggering 1,720% increase in encounters from FY2022 to FY2024.

The Reintroduction of the Caucus

Earlier this month, Kelly and Zinke announced the reestablishment of the Northern Border Security Caucus for the 119th Congress, which includes 24 members. This caucus aims to advocate for secure borders and raise awareness of immigration challenges faced by states bordering Canada.

The lawmakers have extended an invitation to Homan, expressing a shared vision for enhancing security at the northern border. They are keen to explore how Congress and the Biden administration can collaborate effectively to address these pressing issues.

Commitment from Border Czar Homan

Responding to the lawmakers’ invitation for a meeting, Homan conveyed his eagerness to engage with them “ASAP.” He emphasized the necessity of addressing illegal crossings and the trafficking of narcotics while acknowledging the national security vulnerabilities associated with border security.

Growing Concerns Over Migrant Encounters

The formation of the Northern Border Security Caucus was largely prompted by the alarming increase in migrant encounters. The lawmakers raised concerns regarding the number of migrants on terror watchlists crossing into the United States via this route. They have highlighted that a striking 87% of all terror watch-listed individuals encountered at ports of entry were apprehended at the northern border.

Conclusion

As lawmakers advocate for a united approach to securing the northern border, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The rise in encounters and the serious implications for national security call for immediate attention from both Congress and the new administration. Continued collaboration between lawmakers and border enforcement agencies will be critical in ensuring safety and security for the region.

For further updates on immigration policy and border security, follow our dedicated coverage.