Eli Crane Questions Witnesses on Biden's Border Policies and Alleged Lies

Biden's Border Authority and Actions

• ❓ Representative Eli Crane questioned witnesses regarding President Biden's statements on border authority and actions.
• 🗣️ Biden stated on January 27, 2024, that a new bill would grant him emergency authority to shut down the border, and on January 30, 2024, claimed he had done all he could.
• 💡 Crane argued that Biden lied because he later took further action with an executive order, implying he had the authority all along.
• ✅ Witnesses agreed that DHS and CBP fall under the executive branch, meaning Biden always possessed the authority he claimed not to have.

CBP Data and Effectiveness Comparison

• 📊 US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data from January 21-31, 2025, showed an 85% drop in apprehensions along the southwest border compared to the same period in 2024.
• 📉 Inadmissible alien encounters at ports of entry dropped 93% in the 11 days after January 20th compared to the 11 days prior.
• 🎯 When asked if CBP data suggests President Trump's first 30 days were more effective than Biden's four years, witnesses answered "Yes."

Political Gains from Immigration Policies

• 🗳️ A witness explained that liberal states may gain from mass illegal immigration and unchecked parole through headcount in the census.
• 🗺️ These census numbers are used for redistricting in Congress, which in turn impacts presidential electoral college votes.
• 📈 It was agreed that redistricting is a major political outcome for Democrats who welcome migrant caravans, as it increases their headcount and potential for more districts.