Van Duyne Reinforces Stance on Border and Opioid Crisis

Texas Representative Beth Van Duyne (R) took to social media to reinforce her stance on the border crisis as well as the opioid crisis.

“As the crisis at the border worsens, the risk of fentanyl continues to grow. I’m working to stop the deadly flow of this drug across our borders and save American lives,” tweeted Rep. Van Duyne.

Border security has been a major issue for the Republican-led  Congress. In 2023 alone, over 3 million migrants have entered the country. Many of these migrants are seeking better economic opportunities and are fleeing devastating situations.

President Joe Biden has attempted to address the issue. However, many of his tactics receive pushback for being too little, too harsh or too late.

In October, Biden approved a new border wall in South Texas. The administration waived 26 federal laws, in order to approve the measure.

In a statement, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized why the administration felt the need to input the new border wall.

“There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas,” said Mayorkas.

However, the measure was criticized for its potential negative environmental impact.

“A plan to build a wall through will bulldoze an impermeable barrier straight through the heart of that habitat. It will stop wildlife migrations dead in their tracks. It will destroy a huge amount of wildlife refuge land. And it’s a horrific step backwards for the borderlands,” said Laiken Jordahl, a southwest conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity.

Among the president’s critics was Rep. Van Duyne herself.

"Make no mistake: Texas is on the front line of Biden and Mayorkas’ border disaster. Not only are Mexican cartels in control of our southern border, but they’re supported by the Biden Administration’s taxpayer-funded transportation. Mayorkas’ DHS operation has ushered in a new era of human slavery in America," said the Texas representative.