Capital District Times

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik recently visited the Champlain Port of Entry and Border Patrol facility in Champlain, N.Y. to assess the situation at the Northern Border firsthand. During her visit, she met with various officials and expressed her concerns about the surge of illegal crossings and the impact of open border policies.

Stefanik emphasized the challenges faced by Border Patrol agents and CBP officers due to the influx of illegal immigrants. She attributed the situation to what she described as "failed Far Left open border policies" by Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer, and Kathy Hochul. Stefanik highlighted the strain on resources and the need for additional support for the agents and officers working tirelessly to secure the border.

Stefanik's dedication to supporting national security and border protection was acknowledged by Brandon Budlong, President of the National Border Patrol Council Local 2724. Budlong praised Stefanik as a champion for border security, stating, "The crisis at our border isn’t just at the southern border. It’s at the northern border as well. Having a champion like Elise is incredible."

In response to the crisis, Stefanik voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, in May 2023. The bill aims to enhance border security by increasing the number of Border Patrol agents, implementing effective enforcement technology, continuing border wall construction, improving the asylum process, and ending the catch and release policy.

Stefanik's visit and statements underscore the ongoing challenges at the Northern Border and the efforts being made to address the situation. For more information, the full statement can be accessed at the following link: [Permalink: Stefanik Statement Following Visit to Northern Border in Champlain, NY](https://stefanik.house.gov/2024/4/stefanik-statement-following-visit-to-northern-border-in-champlain-ny).