House Republicans visiting Texas border describe ‘anguish’ of agents dealing with mass crossings

A gaggle of Republican House members traveled to the Texas-Mexico border and detailed the “emotional anguish” Border Patrol agents incur because of the rampant human trafficking and drug smuggling, whereas urging Democrats and President Biden to take motion earlier than Title 42 ends on May 23.

The group, led by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., toured the border Monday with agents who he stated are “pushed to their limits.” They pleaded to Biden and different House Democrats to increase Title 42, a public well being order set to run out in 30 days that has been used since March 2020 to shortly expel a majority of migrants on the border because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We welcome and want to ask the Democrats to join us,” the Republican chief urged. The Republicans are pushing for his or her Democratic colleagues to signal a discharge petition to deliver a invoice to the ground to power a vote on sustaining Title 42, which requires the help of 218, or the bulk, of House members.

PHOTOS RELEASED OF TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER WHO WENT MISSING WHILE TRYING TO SAVE DROWNING MIGRANTS 

“We just need a handful of Democrats to join to bring the bill up for a vote. So if you believe Title 42 shouldn’t be lifted, don’t say it in a press release, say it in an action that can make a difference,” stated McCarthy.

House Minority Leader main GOP delegation assembly with Border Patrol in Eagle Pass, Texas.
(Fox News’ Bill Melugin)

The journey by the lawmakers coincided with the current dying of a Texas nationwide guard specialist, who drowned whereas attempting to save lots of the lives of migrants making the trek from Mexico.

Texas Army National Guard Specialist Bishop E. Evans, 22, went lacking close to Eagle Pass Friday whereas trying to rescue two migrants who “appeared to be drowning while crossing the river from Mexico into the U.S.,” in keeping with the Texas Military Department. His physique was discovered Monday. 

Evans “did not die in vain,” the members stated, praising his heroism and fast motion and providing condolences to his grandmother. 

House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., stated that the boat border patrol captains who led their tour of the river have been those who recovered the physique of Evans earlier within the day.

“Think about the emotional turmoil, the emotional anguish that these border patrol agents are going through every day, in addition to the National Guard and their families. Our hearts break. House Republicans are unified in securing the border and providing the support we need to our border patrol in our communities in south Texas and across our country,” Stefanik stated.

McCarthy additionally slammed the Biden administration’s coverage to offer cell telephones to unlawful immigrants, which he witnesses on the border. The White House confirmed final month that unlawful immigrants are being offered with digital gadgets, notably cell telephones, in an effort by the administration to “track” and “check in” with them as they await immigration courtroom proceedings.

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McCarthy was additionally requested about reporting final week by the New York Times, which included a leaked audio recording, by which the GOP chief stated he was going to suggest the previous president resign following the Jan. 6 Capitol revolt.

A reporter requested him if he was untruthful in denying the Times reporting, when the tapes confirmed that he informed his GOP colleagues that he was going to ask Trump to resign.

He responded: “The reporter never asked me that question. The reporter came to me the night before he released the book. And my understanding was he was saying that I asked President Trump to resign. No, I never did, and that’s what I was answering.”

“If you’re asking now, did I tell my members that were going to ask, ask them if I told any of them if I said that to President Trump, the answer is no. I’m glad you asked that question. But what’s more important than something that happened 15 months ago on a private conversation with about four other people is what’s happening here right now.”

Trump and McCarthy stay on good phrases regardless of the newly launched tapes, in keeping with a supply who confirmed to Fox News Digital that the 2 spoke on the cellphone final week. 

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise of La., left, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif., and Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., communicate with reporters after watching a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy live-streamed into the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, Wednesday, March 16, 2022. 
((AP Photo/Alex Brandon))

“You asked that question on the same day that we found Bishop Evans’ body. You asked that question on the same day in less than a month, just a month from now, that they’re going to lift Title 42,” he stated. “I don’t think that’s what the American people are asking. I think they want to know about what’s going to happen here and how we’re going to secure the border,” he concluded.

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McCarthy stated Biden ought to go to the border earlier than terminating Title 42 saying. “The president owes it to the American people to at least find the truth before he makes a decision,” he stated.

McCarthy and Stefanik have been joined by GOP Reps. Gary Palmer of Alabama, Tony Gonzales of Texas, Randy Weber of Texas, Michael Guest of Mississippi, Chip Roy of Texas, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee and Blake Moore of Utah.

Fox News’ Danielle Wallace and Bill Melugin contributed to this report.