Two separate groups of Republican senators had eventful visits to the southern border this week, providing a stark contrast to President Biden's visit over the weekend. As we noted earlier this week, the Biden visit was short and provided a sanitized look at the issues facing border states.
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) January 10, 2023
The first group of senators was bipartisan and included Republican Senators Cornyn, Lankford, Tillis, and Moran.
Yesterday during our border tour, my colleagues and I visited members of the Texas National Guard and @TxDPS stationed along the border to see how they are working to protect public safety and stop illegal immigrants from entering our country. pic.twitter.com/lVDQ8riqoN
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) January 10, 2023
The second group was led by Republican women—Senators Blackburn, Hyde-Smith, and Britt.
Every state is a border state under Joe Biden.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) January 11, 2023
It's far past time his administration enforce our nation’s laws and keep Americans safe. pic.twitter.com/fN3TgqY7bC
Both groups of senators witnessed border crossings.
Sen. @JohnCornyn @CaptMarkKelly @ChrisCoons @ChrisMurphyCT @SenatorSinema @SenThomTillis @JerryMoran & @jameslankford encounter @CBPWestTexas detaining 2 Chinese nationals aftr illegally entering the U.S.@TexasTribune was the only print embed for night tour. #immigration #elpaso pic.twitter.com/ToCzFWfCxd
— Ivan Pierre Aguirre : 📷 (@i_p_a_1) January 10, 2023
BREAKING: I’m in Eagle Pass, Texas where we are witnessing dozens of illegal immigrants cross the Rio Grande into the United States.@SenKatieBritt @SenHydeSmith @SaraCarterDC pic.twitter.com/nWh1ArKCoy
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) January 10, 2023
The groups also met extensively with everyone from law enforcement to local citizens who are dealing with the negative effects of Biden's Border Crisis on a daily basis.
We visited a ranch in Texas today that’s struggled to remain operational because of the flood of migrants traveling through its land every day. State authorities have stepped in to try and protect the property, so the ranch can remain in business and support its employees safely. pic.twitter.com/SqvrJGXP9X
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) January 10, 2023
Over the last 2 years, there has been a record amount of illegal border crossings. Law enforcement at our southern border are doing an incredible job despite this humanitarian and security crisis. They remain positive & are proud to serve and protect our country. pic.twitter.com/pmqFfJRS5s
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) January 11, 2023
It took President Biden two years into his term to visit the border. It took Senator Britt less than one week into her term as Senator.
Republicans are once again taking the lead on facing the border crisis head on.