SE Valley Times

In a letter addressed to President Biden, Representative Laurin Hendrix (R-Ariz.) and his fellow Arizona House Republicans expressed their disapproval of the current border control policies. They also criticized the Biden Administration's decision to close the Lukeville port of entry.

According to Hendrix, "Looking at those crossing the border in droves, they are largely military-aged men, not families in search of a better life as Democrats continually claim". He further stated that "Your open-border approach to immigration is a national threat that will have disastrous impacts on the entire country."

The letter co-authored by Hendrix and 31 other House Republicans, included Representatives Quang Nguyen (R-Ariz.), Alexander Kolodin (R-Ariz.), Joseph Chaplik (R-Ariz.), David Cook (R-Ariz.), Matt Gress (R-Ariz.), among others. The lawmakers raised concerns about issues such as a 40% increase in southwest border encounters since 2021, nearly 200 attempts by migrants on the terrorist watch list to cross, apprehension of Chinese nationals amid tensions between the United States and China, and the recent closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry.

"The decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry as a solution to the crisis you created is unacceptable and must be reversed immediately," wrote the lawmakers. "It is no secret why the border is overwhelmed. Your anti-American open-border policy sent a message to the world: that there will be no consequences for illegal immigration. The real solution is simple. Reverse your policy and put a halt to the wide-open door for so-called 'asylum-seekers'."

Lukeville port, one of the busiest ports was closed at the beginning of December in an attempt to address a surge in illegal migrant crossings. There has been no official announcement on how long this closure will last which has led Arizona lawmakers to express dissatisfaction with this decision by Biden's administration. According to an article from the Associated Press, the closure is adversely affecting businesses and individuals as legal cross-border activities such as shopping, dining, and even school commutes for some Mexican children have been disrupted.

The lawmakers further wrote, "Border states in particular are significantly harmed by your administration’s failed policies every day. Our law enforcement agencies at the border are overextended. Healthcare providers in border communities are overworked to such an extent that they are struggling to provide essential services to the residents of their community in need of care. Your decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry is just the latest in a long stream of irresponsible policies from your administration that fail to keep Arizona citizens, and all Americans, safe from criminal activity at the border."

Hendrix previously served as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives representing District 22 from 2009 to 2011. As of January, he now represents District 14. In addition to his political career, Hendrix is also a business owner and has served as a member and president of the Maricopa County Community College District governing board, according to Ballotpedia.