(NewsNation) — U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, is urging Congress to pass a bipartisan border security bill, despite already securing billions of dollars to combat the border crisis.
He secured funding under the fiscal year 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which includes nearly half a billion dollars for Border Patrol agents and over $280 million for new security technology.
Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted to pass the bill that allocates $81 million for Operation Stonegarden. It provides federal resources to local law enforcement agencies to conduct operations to enhance security along the southern border.
“We also added an extra $1 billion for TSA to make sure that they have their equipment and that we pay TSA officers the salaries that they deserve,” Cuellar told NewsNation.
Cuellar acknowledges the significant influx of migrants in specific “heat zones” along the border. He has urged his colleagues in Congress to push for more funding in technology and hiring agents.
He emphasized that many of these migrants don’t qualify for asylum because they’re not fleeing persecution based on religion or political beliefs. Instead, they’re primarily seeking economic opportunities in the United States.
“If you are hungry, you want a better life or you want a job over here. We want to help as many as we can; we cannot help the whole world,” Cuellar said. “If you don’t qualify, then with all respect, we’re going to hold you and then deport you back to your country.”
Even with the halt in funding for a border wall, Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott continues his efforts against illegal immigration. He recently announced progress on a new base in Eagle Pass that is being built to accommodate thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers stationed at the border.
