Rep. Calvert Tours the Southern Border, Blasts Biden for Helping Smugglers
Earlier this week, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) received a briefing and tour of the California-Mexico border from the California National Guard's Counter Drug Task Force.
"When it comes to combating smuggling operations at our southern border, it's clear that the Guard's Counter Drug Task Force and its various partners have their hands full," said Rep. Calvert. "One of the things that stands out when you visit the border is how effective and impactful our border fencing can be. That's why it's so frustrating to see gaps and other unfinished segments with the already purchased supplies on hand nearby ready to be used. These ‘Biden bypasses' only serve to make it easier to smuggle drugs and people illegally into our country."
An example of just one "Biden Bypass" that exists due to President Biden's actions halting construction of the border fence
Border fence supplies sit unused near gaps in the border fence
"According the California National Guard, the effectiveness of the border fence has contributed to increased drug interceptions happening along the coast and at sea. As smugglers increasingly use these innovative alternatives, our Coast Guard and other maritime partners will need additional resources to confront them and keep these deadly drugs off our streets. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the California National Guard and all of their partners in stepping up to confront these emerging threats."
Since last fall, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has intercepted 5,586 pounds of fentanyl entering the U.S., or enough to kill 1.3 billion Americans (according to the Drug Enforcement Agency, a single 2 milligram dose of fentanyl is lethal and there are 453,592 milligrams in a pound). The Biden Administration's open borders policy also puts children at risk; it is estimated that 60% of unaccompanied minors sent to the U.S. border have been intercepted by drug cartels for trafficking or other abusive purposes.