Texas Representative Beth Van Duyne (R) blasted President Joe Biden (D) for "purposely destroying" the U.S.-Mexico border. Her accusation comes amid the death of a North Texas teen from a fentanyl overdose.
“As Joe Biden purposefully destroys our border security and allows deadly fentanyl to flow into our country, North Texas is battling the fentanyl crisis in every school and neighborhood. Tragically, fentanyl has taken yet another young life in our community. Mr. President, you must use your authority to secure our border and slow the flow of fentanyl! #OnePillCanKill”
Our southern border is an unmitigated disaster and poses a massive national security risk to America. We know hundreds of people on the terrorist watch list have entered our country illegally. What will it take for Joe Biden and the Democrats to finally take this crisis… pic.twitter.com/9d4i9Lm4Q5
— Beth Van Duyne (@Bethvanduyne) February 28, 2024
In January, 17-year-old Chance Stovall died from an overdose of fentanyl in the Northern District of Texas. According to an associate and former co-worker of Stovall, Connor Miller, the two individuals began using M30—fake pills used to imitate Oxycodone—fentanyl tablets shortly after meeting one another. Furthermore, Miller stated that the two repeatedly searched for fentanyl from local dealers.
The tablets, purchased for $40, were snorted and crushed over a 30-45 minute period. After falling asleep, Miller woke up and found Stovall lying unconscious, lips blue and tragically dead.
DEA Dallas Field Division lead special agent, Eduardo Chavez, stated that pills are especially dangerous because of the relaxed perception of drugs when in a pill format. The opioid crisis has drawn a response from a variety of politicians.
Earlier in the year, Van Duyne 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.
Biden has attempted to address the issue. However, many of his tactics receive pushback for being too little, too harsh or too late.
That said, Biden has said that he would shut down the border if the House signed the Senate's new border bill. The House GOP has not indicated that they will sign the bill, however.
Many believe their failure to sign the bill is based on Donald Trump's instruction. Trump has allegedly asked GOP members to not work on border issues so that he can use it as a campaigning issue.
