Securing Our Southern Border

Floor Speech

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the current crisis at our southern border.

In March, unlawful border crossings reached their highest level in 15 years. This includes nearly 19,000 unaccompanied minors, which represents a 99 percent increase from February and the highest figure ever recorded.

This is a dangerous humanitarian, health, and security crisis that warrants immediate action.

I am particularly concerned about these children, Mr. Speaker. As the President of Mexico recently confirmed, this administration's policies and speeches on this subject have convinced families that they can send their children to the United States in search of a better life.

Yet, we know that the situation is often dire for these children. Human traffickers made an estimated $14 million per day along the border in the month of February alone.

Shortly, I will be joining my colleagues to visit the border and speak directly to our Border Patrol agents firsthand about their experiences.

I look forward to sharing that insight with my constituents. However, we already know that there is unprecedented disorder at the border, and immediate action is needed. We must secure our border immediately.

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