In a candid interview that aired this past Sunday, Former U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz didn’t hold back, slamming President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their lack of engagement during his tenure, which ended last year. Ortiz’s revelations on CBS News’s “60 Minutes” shed light on the alarming surge in illegal immigration, surpassing 8 million individuals under the Biden administration, a figure more significant than the population of most U.S. states and marking the most significant increase in the nation’s history.
Ortiz oversaw a force of 21,000 personnel during his role and criticized the administration’s decision-making process, emphasizing the disproportionate focus on specific border stretches. He questioned the logic behind allocating resources based on political considerations or media coverage, pointing out the neglect of the remaining 200 miles that demand equal attention.
His frustration with the lack of communication from the top echelons of power was evident. “I’ve never had one conversation with the president or the vice president, for that matter. And so I was the chief of the border patrol. I commanded 21,000 people. That’s a problem,” Ortiz exclaimed.
The interview highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the border crisis. Ortiz serves up some cold, hard truth on a silver platter for Biden and Harris. Brace yourselves for this revelation because sending a “clear message” about illegal border crossings to Central America, South America, and Mexico is a revolutionary concept.
Ortiz is practically begging the administration to get out the megaphones and announce, “Attention, aspiring border-crossers: if you’re not fleeing from something truly dire, pack your bags because you’re headed back!” But wait, is that too much to ask from the masters of vague messaging?
Here we have Ortiz, the unsung hero, reminding everyone that crossing the border illegally without a golden ticket for a legitimate asylum claim should have consequences. Imagine that! It’s almost like expecting people to abide by the rules and not treat the border like a free-for-all candy store.
But no, Biden and Harris must be too busy organizing photo ops on their carefully selected two-mile stretches to hear Ortiz’s plea for a little common sense. They may be too engrossed in their game of pin the blame on someone else to notice that a clear, coherent message might help stem the tide of illegal border crossings. But who needs a strategic plan when you can wing it and hope for the best, right?
So, hats off to Ortiz for spelling out the painfully obvious. It’s a tough job being the voice of reason when your higher-ups seem more interested in playing political chess than safeguarding the border. Maybe next time, someone can hand Biden and Harris a map – not a campaign slogan – and show them where the real crisis lies. We can dream, can’t we?
“We need to make sure that Central America, South America, Mexico, that those regions understand that if you pay a smuggler and you cross in between the ports of entry and you do not have a legitimate claim to some sort of asylum benefit, you’re gonna be sent back,” Ortiz asserted.
Ortiz’s frustration with the lack of high-level engagement from President Biden and Vice President Harris echoed concerns among many Americans about the administration’s handling of the border situation.
With an unprecedented influx of illegal immigrants surpassing all historical records, Ortiz’s insights serve as a wake-up call. The situation demands immediate attention, cooperation with border patrol officials, and a reevaluation of policies to ensure the security and integrity of the nation’s borders.
The former chief’s impassioned plea for a more balanced and practical approach resonates with those who believe in a secure border, calling for accountability and responsibility in dealing with the complex immigration issue. As the debate over border security continues escalating, it is essential to listen to experienced voices like Ortiz’s, who bring firsthand knowledge and a sense of urgency.
Ortiz’s interview shed light on the pressing need for an in-depth border strategy. With the stakes higher than ever and the numbers soaring, a proactive and strategic response is not just an option but an absolute necessity.