Texas Politics

Allred Introduces Border Security Bill, Seeks to Address Staffing Needs

Representative Colin Allred (D-TX) recently introduced the Border Workforce Improvement Act, a bill that seeks to address the staffing needs at the southern border, calling on the leaders of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) to assess its status.

The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Marc Veasey (D-TX), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ).

In a statement regarding the legislation’s arrival, Rep. Allred admitted that there is a crisis at the southern border. He believes more agents will help solve the issue.

“To address the crisis at our border, our border protection, customs and immigration agencies need support and staff,” said Rep. Allred. “That all starts with the best possible information on staffing and personnel needs. That’s why I am proud to lead this legislation to ensure our staffing needs at the southern border are properly met, and I will continue working towards common-sense, bipartisan solutions to secure our border and deliver results for Texas.”

According to Allred’s press release, the Border Workforce Improvement Act would:

  • Require assessment of existing staffing models and methodologies for deploying personnel of CBP, ICE, and USCIS at the southern border and across the country, and the effect of continuously relying on details and overtime to temporarily fill staffing gaps.
  • Identify factors within and outside of the control of the Department of Homeland Security that are affecting workloads and exacerbating staffing challenges to identify solutions CBP, ICE, and USCIS can accomplish, as well as solutions that require congressional action.
  • Identify critical capability gaps in human resources, new technology integration, and streamlined risk management systems across CBP, ICE, and USCIS.
  • Require DHS to report its findings with a detailed description of how all four agencies plan to implement their recommendations to address staffing issues.

In the past, the Texas congressman has supported border security legislation such as the bipartisan Dignity Act, led by Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL).

The nearly 500-page Dignity Act covers border security, asylum claims, illegal immigration, agricultural competitiveness, and the US domestic workforce, and would also grant amnesty to illegal immigrants through the “Redemption Program.”

Colin Allred represents Texas’ 32nd District. He is currently challenging Ted Cruz (R-TX) for his seat in the U.S. Senate.

Jackson Bakich

Jackson Bakich is based in Tallahassee. Born in Orlando but raised in Lake County, Florida, Jackson Bakich is a graduate of Florida State University. Growing up in the Sunshine State, Bakich co-hosted the political talk radio show "Lake County Roundtable" (WLBE) and was a frequent guest for "Lake County Sports Show" (WQBQ). Currently, he is the Sports Editor of the FSView and the co-host of "Tomahawk Talk" (WVFS), a sports talk radio program covering Florida State athletics in Tallahassee. Jackson's work has been cited in Newsmax, POLITICO and other media outlets.

Recent Posts

Texas at the Center of U.S. LNG Export Boom as 2025 Sets New Records

U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have surged to historic levels in 2025, solidifying the…

3 days ago

Former Speaker Dade Phelan Announces Retirement from Texas House

Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R) announced that he will not seek reelection to…

3 days ago

Ken Paxton Files Brief Seeking Removal of 13 House Democrats

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has submitted a merits brief to the Supreme Court of…

3 days ago

Governor Abbott Announces $40M for Kerrville Long-Term Flood Recovery

Governor Greg Abbott (R) today announced a $40 million commitment to support long-term housing recovery…

3 days ago

Byron Donalds Endorses Roy for TX Attorney General

Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) is endorsing Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) in his run for Texas…

3 days ago

LONESTAR — 8.22.2025 — Texas House Passes Redistricting Bill — Chip Roy Announces Attorney General Bid — and More...

The Texas House has passed the "One Big Beautiful Congressional Map." After weeks of deliberation…

4 days ago