In a dramatic and somewhat ironic twist, Joe Biden’s latest attempt to secure the southern border has flopped right out of the gate. Just one day after his executive order aimed at restricting asylum seekers was signed, the situation on the ground revealed a grim reality: things have only gotten worse.
U.S. officials stationed along the Mexico border reported an unexpected increase in illegal crossings immediately following the implementation of Biden’s order. Stunning footage captured by Fox News shows throngs of migrants pouring through sizable gaps in the border fencing along the San Diego corridor, creating a scene that starkly contrasts with the administration’s promises of tighter security.
The numbers are staggering. On the first full day of the executive order, Border Patrol apprehended approximately 4,000 illegal immigrants, maintaining the same high volume as before the order was issued. Moreover, another 1,500 individuals crossed at designated ports of entry. These figures starkly contradict the administration’s goal of reducing daily crossings to 2,500 or fewer over a weeklong period, with a significant reduction target of 1,500.
NEW: Yesterday was the first full day of President Biden’s executive order barring asylum to most illegal crossers being in effect, & it had no impact on numbers.
Per CBP sources, Border Patrol apprehended just about 4,000 illegal immigrants yesterday, on par with the low… pic.twitter.com/Qf59z6D9v0— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 6, 2024
This botched rollout underscores a growing divide between President Biden and progressive Democrats. Critics argue that the administration’s recent actions betray earlier commitments to a more humane immigration policy. Leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus didn’t mince words, stating, “Such measures impede progress and harm migrants fleeing violence and persecution, who otherwise would present a credible and meritorious case for asylum.”
The response from rank-and-file Democrats has been equally blistering. Representative Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.) expressed her dismay to The Washington Post, suggesting that Biden’s strategy risks alienating core values without achieving political gains. “Putting at risk our values, and believing that people have the right to seek asylum to try to silence those that hate immigrants, I don’t believe is the kind of strategy that is going to help us win the election in November,” she remarked.
Immigration remains a hot-button issue for voters heading into the 2024 election cycle. Recent polls indicate that control of the border ranks third among top voter concerns, trailing only the economy and the preservation of American democracy. High-profile incidents, such as the tragic killing of University of Georgia student Laken Riley by a migrant previously detained and released by Homeland Security, have only intensified public scrutiny of Biden’s border policies.
As it stands, Biden’s latest move appears to be a desperate Hail Mary that missed its mark entirely. With public opinion hardening and political allies turning critical, the administration faces an uphill battle to regain control of the narrative and, more importantly, the border.
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