Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) spoke with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem about securing the border in a recent House Appropriations hearing, commending her for the job well done so far and discussing how Congress could provide further assistance.
Rep. Ciscomani began with the commendation, saying they share experience as border state residents. "Though the northern and southern borders are vastly different, I know you understand firsthand the challenges that our communities at the border face," he said.
However, he noted, "There have been around 65,000 gotaways this fiscal year. What resources, or what resource investments for both technology and infrastructure, are you planning to make, and how will those numbers [of gotaways] be reduced in the future?"
Does Texas have a constitutional right to defy Supreme Court on protecting its border?
After all, Arizona's border terrain is very rough, and thus, it is vital to secure those areas.
"As we address the challenges in the areas of the southern and northern borders where we saw a lot of folks crossing illegally, we have put more resources in those areas," Noem answered, adding, "We have seen the traffic has been pushed to other areas, maybe areas that were not well-traveled before and now gotaways are trying to take advantage of that. They have also pushed very heavily toward the maritime. The Coast Guard is seeing much more traffic. They are also seeing a lot of cartel activity out there, trafficking of drugs and human beings, and technologies that they are having a difficult time keeping up with."
From there, Rep. Ciscomani asked, "Do you mind just speaking of the morale of the agents and your efforts on recruiting and retention?"
Noem replied, "The morale of the Department of Homeland Security agencies and employees that work there is fantastic. We have incredible numbers and recruitment; people who want to be a part of the agency are signing up and submitting applications. As I mentioned earlier, [Customs and Border Protection (CBP)] has over a 54% increase in recruitment, and [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] as well."
