Ron Johnson Questions Kristi Noem on Border Security and Chart Showing 'Good News'

Border Security Progress and Messaging

• 📈 Senator Ron Johnson presents a chart showing a significant decrease in border encounters, calling it "good news" for the first time.
• ⚠️ He contrasts this with the previous four years, which he described as a "disaster" and a "clear and present danger" to the country.
• 🗣️ Johnson criticizes the previous administration for claiming Congress needed to act, stating that only a new president was needed.
• 🏛️ He notes that President Biden, facing reelection concerns, began using executive authority to secure the border, similar to actions taken by President Trump.

Trump Administration's Border Policies

• ⏱️ Johnson highlights that President Trump took about 12 months to reduce encounters from nearly 5,000 per day to just over 500, using policies like "Remain in Mexico."
• ❓ He questions how the current administration achieved a similar reduction in a matter of months.

DHS Secretary's Explanation of Success

• 📜 Secretary Noem explains that the President enforced existing laws and actively communicated the need for a secure border.
• 🌍 She emphasizes that the world watches and listens to U.S. leaders, and clear messaging about enforcement deters illegal immigration.
• 📢 Noem states that messaging to countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico about consequences for illegal entry has led to people staying home or even reversing their migration.
• 📉 This messaging contributed to a historic low of less than 200 encounters per day in March.

Border Wall Funding and Costs

• 🧱 Johnson questions the budget request of $46.5 billion for border security, comparing it to the previous administration's cost of $6.6 billion for 458 miles of wall.
• 💰 He notes that at the previous rate, the current request could fund over 3,000 miles of wall.
• 📊 Noem states current estimates for steel barrier wall are over $12 million per mile, and they have built about 70 miles since the current president took office, using a mix of materials.
• ⚠️ Johnson expresses concern about the high spending and asks for justification, particularly given issues with non-functioning CBP cameras and towers.