Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) appeared on Fox News’s “America Reports” to discuss border policy amidst the thousands of illegal immigrants pouring into the border every month.
The Texas congressman was willing to find common ground. He agreed that immigrants should not be able to enter the country freely.
“I’ve been on this position that we need to work together and I certainly want to have the state work with the federal government along with the local government. I understand how the state can be frustrated and I’ve been frustrated also myself in the past. But again, enforcing federal immigration laws is a federal responsibility, not a local or state responsibility. But should we be working together? Absolutely,” said Rep. Cuellar.
Furthermore, Rep. Cuellar reaffirmed that he stands with Border Patrol (BPS) agents after a riot broke out at the border wall in El Paso County.
“What happened in El Paso where you have that riot a couple of weeks ago, and those migrants assaulted BPS, Texas National Guard – I stand with BPS and I stand with the National Guard. It’s wrong and those people should be deported. They don’t have a right to assault any of our men or women, whether it’s state, federal, or local persons,” said Cuellar. He also mentioned that those involved in fueling the riot “should be prosecuted.”
The Democratic congressman seemed open to reverting to some of former President Donald Trump’s (R) policies regarding immigration but also added that there is “enough blame to put on everybody” regarding whether this issue should be solved in the Legislative or Executive Branch.
“Well, it’s both the President and Congress. Look, there’s enough blame to put on everybody. If you look at the last two appropriations bills for Homeland [Security], every single Republican except two that are still in Congress – except for two – voted against adding $1.4 billion. In this last appropriation bill, only 100 Republicans or so voted in favor. So yes, I don’t care about who the blame goes to, I want to sit down with my Republican friends and work out something,” said Cuellar.
The U.S. Representative from Texas stated that the asylum laws should be changed so that only 10-12% of asylees should be allowed to enter upon apprehension as upwards of 87-90% of them will be rejected by a judge.
He also stated that he was in favor of returning to Remain in Mexico, a Trump policy that was revoked by the Biden administration. He was not in favor of Title 42, however, but prefers Title 8 which places a five-year ban on deported migrants from reentering the country.
“Well, I think if President Biden enforces Title 8 – Title 8 is better than Title 42. Title 8 is an expeditated deportation to the country of origin and I think something like that will be a lot more effective. Don’t just send them across the river where they can come in. I support stay in Mexico. I support that,” said Cuellar.
Congressman Cuellar represents Texas’ 28th District.
