Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a video discussing the impacts of border policies on Tennessee communities. She criticized the Biden-Harris administration's approach to immigration, citing an increase in human and drug trafficking activities.

"Every time I travel to counties across our state, I hear about how drug and human trafficking at the southern border is impacting local communities," Blackburn stated. "The disastrous policies implemented by the Biden-Harris administration have contributed to fentanyl deaths, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violent crimes committed by illegal aliens. Under this administration, every town is a border town, and every state is a border state."

Since taking office, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have issued 94 executive orders related to immigration. According to Blackburn, these policies have led to increased infiltration by Mexican cartels into U.S. communities.

Cheatham County Drug Unit authorities reported that Nashville has become a hub for drug trafficking due to insufficient resources for special drug units and an increase in illegal crossings at the southern border. They attribute these challenges to current federal policies.

Blackburn highlighted several actions taken by the Biden-Harris administration that she believes have exacerbated the situation. These include ending Title 42, terminating the "Remain in Mexico" policy from President Trump's tenure, and reinstating catch-and-release practices.

Statistics provided indicate that over 10 million people have crossed the southern border illegally since January 2021. Additionally, more than 1.7 million known "gotaways" have evaded U.S. Border Patrol during this period.

The senator also pointed out specific incidents in Tennessee linked to illegal immigration. In 2022, Nashville saw a 20% increase in drug overdose deaths, with fentanyl being a significant factor in many cases. Moreover, an accused murderer of a woman in Cleveland was reportedly allowed entry under the Biden-Harris CBP One App program.

Blackburn concluded her remarks by emphasizing that these issues affect all states across the country.