McKinley visits southern border as crisis continues

Statement

Yesterday, U.S. Representative David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.) visited the southern border at McAllen, Texas to better understand the crisis at our border.

"For years our Southern border has been used by drug cartels, sex traffickers and criminals to enter illegally, but recently it has also become a humanitarian crisis. As we continue to see more and more people entering illegally, we must understand the needs of both U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and the children in the care of HHS," Rep. McKinley said. "Yesterday, I had a chance to see firsthand what is happening at our border. My visit to McAllen provided me with new insights into the problems our CBP officials are facing. We had a chance to listen to those who are working day in and day out to secure our border and were provided with a better understanding of how Congress can help."

McKinley was accompanied by Representative Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.). This trip included visits to the Hidalgo Port of Entry, the McAllen Border Patrol Station, a section of the border wall and an HHS-ORR facility housing unaccompanied minors in Texas.

"1 million migrants were apprehended this year, the most since 2007. The need for enhanced border security and immigration reform is clear," Rep. McKinley said. "During our visit to McAllen, we were able see the process immigrants go through when entering legally, as well as seeing the care that HHS is providing for unaccompanied minors."

Source