Memphis Standard

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris’ performance in her role as Border Czar. On March 24, 2021, President Biden designated Vice President Harris to address the ‘‘root causes’’ of illegal immigration into the United States.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, there have been 10 million illegal border crossings, the most ever recorded in U.S. history. Vice President Harris has taken no decisive steps to close the southern border and has put millions of American lives in danger.

“Since her very first day in office, Vice President Harris – President Biden’s designated Border Czar – has refused to take the national security and safety crisis at our southern border seriously. The Biden-Harris administration has presided over more than 10 million illegal border crossings and has released nearly 100 individuals on the terrorist watchlist into our country. Vice President Harris can run, but she cannot hide from her disastrous record that has killed countless innocent Americans,” said Senator Blackburn.

Blackburn further criticized Harris for not visiting the southern border until June 25, 2021, which was 93 days after being named Border Czar. When she did visit, it was to El Paso, Texas, located 800 miles from the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

“Since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris became President and Vice President respectively there have been— (1) more than 9,700,000 illegal immigrant encounters nationwide; (2) more than 7,900,000 illegal immigrant encounters at the United States southern border; and (3) an estimated 2,000,000 known gotaways who evaded the United States Border Patrol,” Blackburn stated.

The resolution also notes that May 2024 saw a significant increase in illegal immigrant encounters compared to previous years under former President Trump’s administration.

“In May 2024, there were 170,723 illegal immigrant encounters at the United States southern border...May 2024 was the 39th straight month where monthly illegal immigrant encounters have been higher than the highest month under President Trump.”

Senator Blackburn also highlighted concerns about violent criminals entering through what she describes as an open border policy: “Illegal immigrants with violent criminal histories who have murdered innocent Americans...pose an existential threat to the safety and security of the American people.”

In parallel action within Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) introduced a companion resolution condemning Kamala Harris’ failure as Border Czar.

Mark Morgan stated: “From day one...Harris' failure to lead resulted in an open southern border where criminals...are illegally entering our country.” Brandon Judd added: “If the Biden-Harris administration kept Trump-era policies in place...we would not have had over ten million illegal immigrants enter our country since 2021.”

Thomas Homan commented on national security vulnerabilities created by current policies: “Under Harris's open border...she has created the biggest national security vulnerability this nation has ever seen.” Matthew Whitaker noted: “Kamala Harris claims to be tough on border security while touting immigration reform that will only incentivize further illegal crossings.”

Nicole Parker warned of exploitation by foreign terrorist organizations due to perceived laxity at borders: “Foreign terrorist organization groups are capitalizing on this open border.”

Sheriff Mark Dannels expressed dissatisfaction with Vice President Harris’ engagement with local law enforcement: "Vice President Harris has abandoned and neglected her Nation’s Oath of Office." Sheriff Leon Wilmot echoed these sentiments stating his position of having "NO confidence" in her leadership ability regarding this matter.