Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune from South Dakota addressed the Senate floor regarding what he described as a significant national security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border, attributing it to policies implemented by the Biden-Harris administration. Thune emphasized that President Trump and the Republican majority in the Senate are committed to resolving these issues.

In his remarks, Thune stated, "Mr. President, it’s been clear for a while now that an enduring legacy of the Biden-Harris administration will be the historic immigration crisis at our southern border." He further elaborated on what he considers record-breaking levels of illegal immigration over the past four years under this administration.

Thune criticized President Biden's decision to dismantle former President Trump's border security measures, which he claims led to a surge in illegal immigration. According to Thune, there have been approximately 10 million migrant encounters at the southern border during this period. He highlighted that this number exceeds the population of most U.S. states.

The senator pointed out various consequences of unchecked illegal immigration, such as overwhelmed shelters and cities far from the border dealing with an influx of migrants. He also mentioned concerns about criminal activities linked to individuals who entered illegally and stressed national security threats exemplified by recent arrests connected to ISIS-affiliated smuggling networks.

"Since October 2020, 387 individuals on the terrorist watchlist have been apprehended attempting to cross our southern border between ports of entry," Thune noted, raising questions about those who might have crossed undetected.

Thune asserted that preparations are underway for a potential final surge before President Trump assumes office again. He expressed confidence that under Trump's leadership, securing borders and addressing illegal immigration would be prioritized: "Securing our border and removing those who have entered our country illegally are at the top of President Trump’s priority list."

He concluded by stating that while immigrants play an essential role in America, immigration must be legal: "We need to end the notion that illegal pathways are a viable way to take up residence in this country."

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