Fort Worth, TX - At a campaign rally honoring law enforcement on Wednesday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said he believes using more resources to secure the border is a good thing.
“I think it is a good decision to put additional resources securing the border. There’s no doubt we need to do more to secure the border.”
His response was in reaction to the proclamation signed by President Trump on Wednesday that will send the National Guard to the southern border immediately.
The White House statement regarding the decision said the National Guard will serve as support for the Border Patrol agents because they often lack the manpower necessary to protect national security.
“Given the importance of secure borders to our national security, the National Guard, in coordination with governors, will remain in a support role until Congress takes the action necessary to close the loopholes undermining our border security efforts, including ending the practice of Catch and Release.”
Cruz also said the recent endorsement he received from the National Border Patrol Council was “really powerful,” and that “from day one when it comes to Border Patrol, I’ve had their back.”
Border Patrol union president Brandon Judd said Tuesday that Cruz is the only person the union has ever reached out to and that he is their top choice regarding border security.
“You are who we want, you have the morals, you have the ethics, you can bring true change to this country, you can secure the border.”
“He is the same before, during and after the campaign. What he tells you he will do, he will do,” Judd added.
The endorsement by the National Border Patrol Council states that Cruz “can’t be bought” and that he will “stand firm in supporting our border security, which directly impacts both the national and economic security of this great nation.”
Cruz said he is “humbled to have the support of the brave heroes of Border Patrol that risk their lives keeping this country safe.”
In a press release issued Wednesday, Texas governor Greg Abbott applauded the president’s proclamation and said he welcomed the support.
“Today’s action by the Trump Administration reinforces Texas’ longstanding commitment to secure our southern border and uphold the Rule of Law, and I welcome the support,” Abbott stated.
“Going forward, Texas will continue to implement robust border security efforts, and this partnership will help ensure we are doing everything we can to stem the flow of illegal immigration.”
However, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said Wednesday that Congress has repeatedly refused to act by not adding additional security at the border.
“Unfortunately, time and time again, Congress has failed to act,” she said. “Worse still, some members of Congress have continually opposed efforts to secure the border. As a result of this continued congressional inaction, the administration has drafted legislation, and we will be asking Congress again to provide the legal authority and resources to address this crisis at our borders.”
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