Biden visits Us-mexico border that he has ‘refused to secure’
US PRESIDENT Joe Biden yesterday watched border officials in El Paso search for drugs and contraband in his first visit to the Mexican border since taking office.
His visit came with his administration under fire over immigration and the flood of opioids into the country.
Security had been stepped up in the border town which has been struggling to contain a surge in immigration in recent months. Nearly 2.5 million immigrants were stopped at the border in the 12 months ending on September 30 and voters have been critical of the Democrats’ approach to the issue.
The US president is also due to hold talks with the leaders of Canada and Mexico this week, with immigration and drugs heading the agenda.
Almost 2.5 million immigrants were stopped at the border in the 12 months ending on Sept 30 and voters have been critical of the Democrats’ approach to the problem.
Over the weekend, Greg Abbott, Republican governor of Texas, stepped up the pressure. “The American people recognise Biden’s open border policies are responsible for this crisis. “While Biden refuses to secure the border, Texas will step up to protect our country,” he said on Twitter.
Alejandro Mayorkas Homeland Security Secretary retaliated yesterday on ABC’S This Week, saying: “We cannot have the rights and the needs of individuals who are seeking humanitarian relief in the United States be exploited for political purposes. We cannot have unilateral governor action that is not coordinated with the federal government to address an issue that is of national importance.”
Last week Mexico gave Mr Biden a boost ahead of his trip, capturing Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a leader of the deadly Sinaloa cartel, and the son of the drug lord El Chapo.
Ten soldiers, including a colonel, and 19 gang members were killed during the operation. It was “not an insignificant accomplishment by Mexican authorities, and we’re certainly grateful for that,” John Kirby, US National Security Council spokesman, said.
It comes as the US suffers more fentanyl-related deaths than gun and car-related deaths combined.