IDFC Members Witness Devastating Border Crisis as Title 42 Expires: Urgent Action Needed to Address Influx of Crime and Violence

(Idaho Freedom Caucus Press Release, May 12, 2023)

Title 42 has expired. This COVID-19 pandemic policy enacted by former President Donald Trump’s administration allowed border authorities to expel illegal immigrants crossing the border. Now the United States will deal with an unprecedented surge in drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration, creating the worst border crisis in our nation’s history.

By allowing this critical policy to expire, President Biden is betraying his duty to protect the American people and is putting our communities at risk of deadly drug overdoses and violent crime. The consequences of this reckless decision will be felt for years to come.

It’s time for Idaho to take decisive action to protect our citizens from the wave of crime and violence that will follow this surge in illegal immigration.

We must send a clear message that there will be no tolerance for those who break our laws. That means no jobs for illegal aliens and strict penalties for anyone caught stealing identities or being an accomplice to identity theft. We need severe penalties on fentanyl traffickers and lengthy prison sentences for those caught knowingly transporting illegal aliens into the state. We must ban all sanctuary cities and create trespassing laws targeting illegal aliens as felons.

At the start of 2023, the net cost of illegal immigration for the United States — at the federal, state, and local levels — was at least $150.7 billion. Our country cannot bear these costs. Reports indicate thousands of illegal immigrants are poised to flood across the border. With that influx, the cost to the American taxpayers will only worsen.

The Idaho Freedom Caucus is committed to taking bold action to address these issues to safeguard our communities.

Please share this critical information with your friends, family, and community. Only by working together can we ensure a safer future for all.