Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, has called on Congress to address the border crisis resulting from President Biden's failed policies. Thune emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "the situation at our southern border is in fact a crisis – a logistical crisis, a humanitarian crisis, and a national security crisis."

Thune highlighted the record-breaking numbers of illegal immigration during President Biden's tenure. He stated, "We have had three record-breaking years of illegal immigration at our southern border on President Biden’s watch." Fiscal year 2023 saw a staggering 1,734,686 migrant encounters at the southern border, breaking the previous records set in fiscal years 2021 and 2022.

The senator also drew attention to the alarming increase in terrorist threats at the border. In the first two months of fiscal year 2024, 30 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended attempting to cross the southern border. Thune expressed concern over this dangerous trend, saying, "Our country cannot be secure while we have hundreds of thousands of individuals illegally flooding across our southern border every month."

Thune criticized President Biden for his handling of the border crisis, accusing him of prioritizing other issues over border security. He stated, "President Biden made it clear that border security was at the bottom of his priority list." Thune also criticized the misuse of the asylum and parole systems, which he believes has provided temporary amnesty to hundreds of thousands of individuals in the country illegally.

Despite his criticism, Thune expressed hope for a resolution to the crisis through bipartisan negotiations. He commended Senator Lankford for his efforts in crafting long-term changes to border policies that will decrease the flow of migrants and address individuals already within the country.

In conclusion, Thune urged Congress to take immediate action to address the border crisis, stating, "We owe it to the American people to get this crisis under control." He emphasized the need for real border security legislation that will effectively stem the flow of illegal immigration.

As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how Congress will respond to Thune's call for action to fix the Biden administration's border crisis.