(From the Desk of Senator James E. Risch, August 27, 2026)
A year and a half ago, our southern border was an absolute disaster.
We inherited a broken system from the Biden administration that allowed millions of illegal immigrants, deadly drugs, and criminals to enter our communities.
Today, our southern border is closed tight, with 15 consecutive months of ZERO illegal immigrants released into the United States.
While we celebrate this success, we must ensure our record of strong border enforcement continues for years to come.
I am also equipping Customs and Border Patrol, immigration officers, and local law enforcement with the necessary resources to do their jobs and keep our communities safe through:
- The Protect and Respect ICE Act to increase federal penalties for attacking ICE agents; and
- The Make MPP Mandatory Act to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
Most importantly, I’m ensuring illegal immigrants who commit heinous crimes are held responsible, properly detained, and deported by backing:
- The Laken Riley Act, now law, requiring ICE to arrest and detain illegal immigrants who commit theft or burglary until they are removed from the country;
- Sarah’s Law to require ICE to detain illegal immigrants criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person; and
- The Keep our Communities Safe Act to close a loophole that allows illegal immigrants to be released into our communities after six months if no country accepts them for deportation.
I’ve said for years that border security is national security.
I will keep fighting to ensure our border remains sealed and remain fully committed to protecting our communities.
For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
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