President Joe Biden told Fox News White House Correspondent Peter Doocy on Tuesday he is not going to the southern border because "there are more important things going on."
Biden will visit Arizona today to tout the CHIPS and Science Act and his policies dealing with manufacturing.
Peter Doocy asks Joe Biden why he's going to Arizona, but refuses to visit the border.
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) December 6, 2022
BIDEN: "Because there's more important things going on!" pic.twitter.com/rqarRmWYaV
During Monday's press conference, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden will not go to see their self-inflicted border crisis because he will not partake in a political stunt.
"I want to be very clear here, the president's trip tomorrow is about the American manufacturing boom. We're seeing all across the country, thanks to again, his economic polices, again," Jean-Pierre said.
Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot criticized Biden for not visiting the impacted parts of the state, saying it was a "shame."
“If he’s not down here then he can’t be held accountable…” Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot says while “it’s a shame” that @POTUS doesn’t have plans to visit the Arizona border today, it’s not surprising.
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) December 6, 2022
President Biden will be at the TSMC plant in Phoenix this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/Qubpj8sgRU
The Tucson and Yuma Sectors are among the busiest along the southern border for illegal crossings and drug smuggling. For the previous week, more than 6,400 illegal immigrants from 46 different countries were encountered in the Yuma Sector.
— Chief Patrol Agent Chris T. Clem (@USBPChiefYUM) December 6, 2022
Two groups totaling 122 migrants were encountered by Ajo Station agents near Lukeville, AZ, Tuesday. Representing at least nine countries, the group was taken into custody without incident.
— John R. Modlin (@USBPChiefTCA) December 4, 2022
Tucson Sector agents handle large diverse groups with excellent professionalism. pic.twitter.com/sWFCjDbagl