This week, U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., called out the Biden administration, accusing it of a lack of information and action regarding the border crisis.
Gimenez’s comments took place at a U.S. House Homeland Security Committee hearing.
Gimenez met with U.S. Homeland Security, Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas in Miami a month ago and asked for answers on basic border numbers.
“Secretary Mayorkas claimed he had the numbers but not on hand at the time. Following the meeting, Congressman Gimenez sent a letter to Secretary Mayorkas to ensure Americans received information on the current crisis at the border. One month later, Congressman Gimenez has yet to hear a response,” the congressman’s office noted.
During the hearing, Gimenez read each question aloud:
1. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), over 4.5 million migrant encounters have occurred at the Southwest border since President Biden took office. How many of those individuals encountered are currently residing in the United States and where are they residing? What is the process for choosing a location to release individuals and what sort of information is given to those localities?
2. How many of those individuals have authorized work permits? Do those with authorized work permits receive federal government assistance, if so, how many and how much per individual? Do those individuals who do not have authorized work permits receive federal government assistance, if so, how many and how much per individual?
3. According to CBP sources, over 1.2 million known “gotaways” have evaded CBP. How many of those have since been located by CBP? What are the current steps being taken by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in processing individuals who have been captured and detained? How many immigrants who were unknown to DHS have been detained and deputed over the past two years?
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