Fox News cameras filmed Border Patrol in San Diego releasing approximately 200 migrants onto the streets, who were then transported to airports for flights to other cities across the US.
This mass release occurred as California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been critical of Republicans on the issue, was preparing to meet with President Biden at the White House to discuss border security.
“When it comes to border security, Republicans in Congress have done nothing but create chaos and sabotage any attempts at progress,” Newsom’s office spokesperson stated.
“In the absence of any political courage from the Republican Party, California has once again stepped up — making historic investments and serving as a model of partnership for a safe and humane border. It’s past time for the spineless politicians in Congress to do their job,” they said.
The Biden administration and Democrats have pushed for increased funding and reforms through bipartisan legislation, but Republicans argue the administration’s policies are responsible for the crisis at the border.
“Congressional Republicans chose to put partisan politics ahead of our national security, rejected what border agents have said they need, and then gave themselves a two-week vacation,” spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said.
“No executive action, no matter how aggressive, can deliver the significant policy reforms and additional resources Congress can provide and that Republicans rejected. We continue to call on Speaker [Mike] Johnson and House Republicans to pass the bipartisan deal to secure the border.”
As negotiations remain stalled, Biden faces pressure to take executive action despite the White House maintaining legislative solutions are still preferable.
The mass release underscores the ongoing struggles border cities and states have in dealing with record migrant encounters under the current situation.
“Americans have lost faith in this president and won’t be fooled by election year gimmicks that don’t actually secure the border,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. “Nor will they forget that the president created this catastrophe and, until now, has refused to use his executive authority to fix it.”
