SE Valley Times

Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs has expressed his concern over the United States accepting refugees from Gaza, stating that the country should prioritize its internal border control concerns. Biggs emphasized the need to focus on the ongoing border crisis at the southern border.

"We should NOT take in 1 million refugees from Gaza—a region prone to terrorism and anti-Semitism," Biggs said. "Where is the focus on our own southern border?"

The border crisis continues to impact border towns in multiple states, including Nogales and Lukeville in Arizona. These areas have experienced a significant number of migrant crossings, often resulting in dangerous situations and casualties. Since President Joe Biden took office, close to 4 million individuals have crossed the border, according to National Review.

Lawmakers have expressed mounting concerns about various critical issues resulting from the ongoing border situation. These concerns include human and drug smuggling, as well as the growing influence of cartels in the region. In July, there was a surge in unauthorized border crossings, particularly concentrated in the Tucson region, with up to 2,000 migrants crossing per day. Border Patrol authorities reported a record-breaking number of nearly 40,000 apprehensions, as reported by CBS.

Worries regarding border security have been further heightened following a recent assault by Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, on Israel. Figures, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed concern over the potential connection between the plans of Hamas terrorists and the ongoing border crisis in the US, according to Newsweek.

In Arizona, the number of migrant families arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border has increased by over 126% from June to August. Border Patrol reported encountering 93,108 migrant families in August alone. Migrants have the opportunity to stay in the country for up to two years, depending on the presence of a U.S. sponsor, background checks, and the completion of necessary applications, as reported by AZ Central.

Encounters in the Tucson Sector of the Border Patrol increased by 24% in August compared to July, reaching the highest level in 16 years. These encounters involved migrants arriving from various countries, including Ecuador and India, with the majority being family units, according to AZPM News.

Concerns about border security were highlighted by Ben Bergquam, Founder of Frontline America, during his visit to the Lukeville border. Bergquam shared footage showing vans transporting migrants to the Ajo Border Patrol station for processing. This diversion of Border Patrol resources away from the border itself allows cartels to operate more freely in the area, according to Bergquam.

The ongoing border crisis and the recent attacks in Israel have raised significant national security concerns. Biggs and others are urging a focus on border control and security measures to address these issues.