Thread: Congressman Ted Poe Talks Border Security

Congressman Poe talks border security
By Anne McIlhany, The Tribune

Washington, Aug 2 -

It was less than two weeks ago that a major gun-battle broke out at the border of Texas and Mexico near Laredo – gangs forced citizens from their cars and then blocked the streets in Nuevo Laredo, and a bloodbath ensued.

Terrified residents in Laredo flooded the phone lines of the police department to notify law enforcement of gunfire and explosions.

According to Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo (‘Sigi’) Gonzalez, this is not a shocking development, but a form of terrorism that is happening regularly on the United States/Mexico border.

Congressman Ted Poe hosted a Town Hall meeting in Kingwood last week to address the issues of border security and illegal immigration. He invited Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo (Sigi) Gonzalez as a special guest to speak about the many challenges facing border sheriff’s today. Zapata County is just south of Laredo.

“What is happening on the border is domestic terrorism,â€

There are two things that keep Texans hot under the collar – the August heat and having their say in Washington, DC! As I have been back in the district working this month, the issue of out-of-control government spending and lack of border security remain of great concern to the folks in southeast Texas.

On Tuesday, Congress approved a border security bill that allocates $600 million to pay for more unmanned surveillance drones and border agents to be sent to the violent Mexican border. The bill includes $176 million for 1,000 new border patrol agents, $89 million for 500 customs and immigration personnel, and $32 million to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles or drones. The Senate passed this legislation on Thursday and the President is expected to sign it into law.

While this is a good step, it simply isn’t enough. Texas’ border alone is roughly 1,200 miles; so even if Texas got all of the new border agents, it’s only a drop in the bucket. I welcome the technology being sent, but without the actual boots on the ground to back it up it is useless.

Securing our borders is not a political issue, yet it has always been treated as one. This is an issue of national security. We cannot even begin to debate what to do about illegal immigration until we are serious about securing the border. It is long past time to get our priorities in order. Instead of sending money to foreign countries, we should spend it more wisely at home. The federal government’s first responsibility is to protect its people.

This Saturday, I encourage you to come to one of my town halls to hear more about what is going on along our southern border. I appreciate all of you that continue to participate in our tele-town halls – over 18,000 constituents were on the last call! I will continue to hold town hall meetings throughout the remainder of the year. Stay tuned by visiting my website and social media outlets for important updates.

We cant protect our border. Mexico might get offended...lmao

/sarcasm off

I agree with Gonzales we need to stop everyone before they leave Mexico & cross the border. Maybe a fence/concrete barrier in the middle of the Rio Grande is the answer.

Originally Posted by USPatriot

I agree with Gonzales we need to stop everyone before they leave Mexico & cross the border. Maybe a fence/concrete barrier in the middle of the Rio Grande is the answer.

0.2A volt current wouldn't hurt either