Bill Hagerty Questions DHS Secretary on Border Security Success Under Trump Administration

Border Security Achievements Under Trump

• 🚀 President Trump is credited with delivering the most secure border in American history, resulting in a 95% decrease in encounters at the southwest border and a 99% decrease in getaways.
• 💡 The Trump administration ended the border crisis created by the previous administration within weeks, demonstrating that new legislation was not necessary.
• ✅ Officers felt empowered to do their jobs, enforcing laws and preventing an "invasion" of the country, which was a stark contrast to previous policies.

State of the Department Upon Arrival

• 🌃 Upon President Trump's inauguration, there was a "night and day difference" in the Department of Homeland Security.
• 👮 Officers were no longer frustrated by facilitating an invasion and could finally enforce the law and do their jobs.
• 💔 Many officers, raised in border communities, were devastated by the changes they had witnessed and were proud to be part of the solution again.

Facilitating Illegal Immigration

• 🌍 The Biden administration's policies "telegraphed around the world" that the borders were open, encouraging people to come to America.
• 💰 Taxpayer billions were spent providing advantages like asylum, housing, food, and free medical care to illegal immigrants, often exceeding what citizens receive.
• ⚠️ This open-border policy facilitated the entry of bad actors, cartel members, terrorist organizations, and individuals expelled from their own countries.

Resources and Technology Needs

• 🛠️ President Trump's requests include resources for enforcement tools, more officers, and agreements like 287G with local and state law enforcement.
• 💻 There is a critical need for technology at ports of entry to scan packages and air freight, which was neglected under the Biden administration.
• 📈 This technology is essential for knowing what is coming into the country and preventing dangerous chemicals and poisons, like fentanyl, from entering.

Impact of Border Issues

• 💔 The lack of border security has devastating consequences, including the loss of approximately 3,000 children a year to fentanyl in states like Tennessee.
• ⛓️ Human trafficking is a significant issue, extending from Memphis to Nashville and beyond, directly linked to the unsecured border.
• 🗣️ Citizens express gratitude to frontline individuals and officers for their work in trying to secure the nation.