Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven addressed the U.S. Senate this week, underscoring the significance of border security in curbing the influx of fentanyl from neighboring countries Mexico and Canada. Hoeven acknowledged former President Trump's efforts in reinstating policies that effectively deter illegal immigration and enable border professionals to carry out their duties efficiently.

Hoeven's address aligns with his broader efforts to combat illegal immigration and reinforce border security protocols to protect American communities from drug trafficking. Last month, Hoeven and the U.S. Senate passed the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which aims to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I, accompanied by mandatory minimum sentencing for trafficking offenses.

"The result of our country returning to common-sense border security policies can be seen in the numbers. In March, Border Patrol agents encountered just 7,181 illegal immigrants attempting to cross the southern border. This is a stark contrast compared to just one year ago, when under President Biden the total encounters for the month of March totaled 137,473. That represents a 95 percent decrease in crossings," stated Hoeven.

He also highlighted President Trump's actions on his first day in office, which included signing executive orders aimed at addressing the border crisis. "On his first day in office, President Trump signed a series of executive orders... began the process of removing criminals who had illegally entered under the previous administration," Hoeven noted these measures as pivotal in tackling criminal organizations such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.

Hoeven argued that the consequences of what he termed "harmful Democrat open border policies" have been widespread, affecting every state. "Leadership for the DEA Omaha Division, which includes my state, said it plainly and simply – the repeated presence of fentanyl in our communities is due to outside forces... CBP officers, Border Patrol agents, state, local, and tribal law enforcement are stepping up to take on the fentanyl crisis at our borders. I urge my Democratic colleagues to join us in a bipartisan way and support the effort to continue securing our border," he declared.

Recently, Mexico's President committed to sending 10,000 National Guard troops to strengthen its northern border. Similarly, Canada has intensified its efforts, appointing a fentanyl czar, categorizing Mexican cartels as terrorist entities, launching a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force, and increasing its border enforcement personnel by 56 percent.